Question

Underwater, the bending of light rays causes objects to appear to be _______.

1) Closer
2) Farther away
3) The same as the surface
4) At an angle consistent with the bend of light

Answer 1

Objects underwater appear 1)closer than they actually are due to the refraction of light, which causes light to bend away from the normal as it passes from water to air.

Step-by-step explanation:

An object underwater appears to be closer to the surface than it actually is due to the refraction of light. When light travels from water to air, it changes direction, or refracts. Specifically, the light bends away from the normal, making the object appear at a location above its actual position, thus seeming to be closer and at a more shallow depth than it really is. This phenomenon can be observed when looking at a partially submerged straight rod in water, which appears to bend at the water's surface, or when viewing a fish in a tank, where it seems to be in a position different than its true location.