Practice Problems on Apparent Depth
Problem 1: A coin lies at the bottom of a swimming pool with a depth of 2 meters. Calculate the apparent depth of the coin when viewed from above the water. [refractive index of water is 1.33]
Problem 2: A scuba diver is exploring a lake with a refractive index of 1.4. If the diver is actually 20 meters deep in the lake, calculate the apparent depth of the diver when seen from the surface.
Apparent Depth
Apparent Depth is an example of reflection of light from different mediums and can be observed in many areas. Such as when we drink water from a bottle or any vessel we have an illusion that the bottle’s base is very near to us, but after it gets empty we realize its actual depth. This illusion is a result of the phenomenon known as Apparent Depth. Apparent Depth plays a crucial role in our perception of objects submerged in liquids as there are many such examples like a fish in a pond appearing near to the surface, the bottom of the Swimming Pool appearing near to the surface, and many more.
In this article, we will dive deep into the phenomenon of apparent depth, exploring its definition, the laws of refraction governing it, its mathematical formulation, the factors affecting it, and solving a problem to solidify our understanding.
Table of Content
- What is Apparent Depth?
- Apparent Depth in Different Medium
- Apparent Depth Formula
- Apparent and Real Depth
- Factors Affecting Apparent Depth