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5.2.5 Real Depth and Apparent Depth

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  1. The bending of light can give you a false impression of depth.
  2. Figure to the left shows two rays of light leaving a point on the bottom of a swimming pool.
  3. The rays are refracted as they leave the water. To the observer, the rays seem to come from a higher position, and the bottom looks closer to the surface than it really is.
  4. The real depth of the water and its apparent depth are marked on the diagram. These are related to the refractive index of the water by the following equation:

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Summary:

Refractive index