A straw placed in a clear glass of water appears to break at the water's surface. Which explains this effect? A). The water is transparent, but the glass is translucent. Scattering causes the straw to appear broken. B). The water is transparent, but the straw is opaque. Diffuse reflection causes the straw to appear broken. C). The water and the glass are transparent. Refraction causes the straw to appear broken. D). The water and the glass are translucent. The broken appearance of the straw is a mirage.

Question

Physics

Oconnell

30 May, 10:24

A straw placed in a clear glass of water appears to break at the water's surface. Which explains this effect? A). The water is transparent, but the glass is translucent. Scattering causes the straw to appear broken. B). The water is transparent, but the straw is opaque. Diffuse reflection causes the straw to appear broken. C). The water and the glass are transparent. Refraction causes the straw to appear broken. D). The water and the glass are translucent. The broken appearance of the straw is a mirage.

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Julie Jennings · Answer 1

It is C. refraction causes this to happen.

Kenny Daugherty · Answer 2

Answer: C). The water and the glass are transparent. Refraction causes the straw to appear broken.

Explanation: The reason for the straw to break at the water's surface is because of the process of refraction. Light travels at different speeds in different medium because of the varying densities.

The light travels from air to water and thus the difference in speed results in an apparent shift of the position of part of straw under water and thus the part appears broken.