Question 215 marksLong AnswerSection A

What is atmospheric refraction? Use this phenomenon to explain the following natural events. (a) Twinkling of stars (b) Advanced sun-rise and delayed sun-set. Draw diagrams to illustrate your answers.

Also asked in:2016
The Human Eye and the Colourful World
Atmospheric Refraction

Official answer

Atmospheric refraction is the bending of light as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere due to the gradual change in air density.

Answer keywords:atmospheric refractiontwinkling of starsadvanced sunrisedelayed sunset

Marking scheme

  1. 1.Definition of atmospheric refraction (1 mark)
  2. 2.Explanation of twinkling of stars (1.5 marks)
  3. 3.Explanation of advanced sunrise and delayed sunset (1.5 marks)
  4. 4.Diagrams to illustrate answers (1 mark)

Hint

Think about how light bends as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere and how this affects our perception of celestial objects.

Quick oral answer

Atmospheric refraction is the bending of light as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is responsible for the twinkling of stars and the advanced sunrise and delayed sunset.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Confusing atmospheric refraction with other types of refraction
  2. 2.Failing to explain the twinkling of stars and advanced sunrise and delayed sunset in terms of atmospheric refraction

Analysis and explanation

Atmospheric refraction is responsible for several natural events, including the twinkling of stars and the advanced sunrise and delayed sunset.

Interesting facts

The Earth's atmosphere is made up of different layers, each with its own unique characteristics and effects on light.

Atmospheric refraction is responsible for the beautiful colors we see during sunrise and sunset.

Question details

Q21 of 36 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 10
Subject
Science
Year
2016
Section
Section A
Marks
5
Type
Long Answer
Chapter
The Human Eye and the Colourful World
Topic
Atmospheric Refraction
Also asked in
2016
Bloom's level
Analyzing
Syllabus topic
Atmospheric Refraction

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2016?

This question carries 5 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "The Human Eye and the Colourful World" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Atmospheric Refraction" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

Has this question appeared in other CBSE Science papers?

Yes, a similar question appeared in the 2016 CBSE Class 10 Science paper.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper?

This is a Long Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper.