Home
Class 10
PHYSICS
Explain how twinkling of stars is an eff...

Explain how twinkling of stars is an effect of atmospheric conditions on refraction of light.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

i. Stars are point sources of light as they are very far away from us.
ii. The apparent position of star is slightly higher than its actual position due to refraction of starlight from the atmosphere. The starlight travels from rarer medium to denser medium and continuously bends towards the normal.

iii. Due to the motion of atmospheric air and change in density and temperature, the atmosphere is not steady. As a result, refractive index of air in given region changes continuously and randomly.
iv. Hence, the apparent position of star and its brightness is not stationary but changes slightly.
v. In this way, due to change in refractive index of atmosphere, the stars appear twinkling at night.
Promotional Banner

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

The twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric :

What is refraction of light?

State and explain laws of refraction of light.

Distinguish between Reflection of light and refraction of light :

Explain the following terms: Tyndall effect.

Explain with an example the effect of atmospheric refraction on a small scale.

Answer the following questions : Explain the working of an astronomical telescope using refraction of light .

Explain the following with the help of a diagram: Explain the working of an astronomical telescope using refraction of light.

Twinkling of stars is due to dispersion of light. True/False

Explain the working of an astronomical telescope using refraction of light.