Final answer:
Objects can appear closer in convex mirrors due to the mirror's shape, which distorts the perception of distance. Light refraction in water makes streams appear shallower than they are, and concave lenses can make objects appear upright and different in size.
Step-by-step explanation:
Perception of Objects in Mirrors and Lenses
Objects in some mirrors, especially in vehicle side mirrors, may appear closer than they actually are due to the type of mirror used.
A side-view mirror on the passenger side of a car often uses a convex mirror, which makes objects appear smaller and therefore farther away than they are, as referenced in Essential Knowledge 6.E.2.
However, it's important for drivers to understand that the objects reflected in these mirrors are closer than they seem, which is usually indicated by a warning label on the mirror itself.
Similarly, the perception of depth in a clear mountain stream can be deceptive.
Streams often appear shallower than they are, which is explained by the refraction of light.
When light passes through water, it bends, making the bottom of the stream appear closer to the surface than it actually is.
This effect is due to the change in speed of light as it moves from air into water, causing the light to bend.
Thus, a clear mountain stream is always a little bit deeper than it appears to be.
If you look through a concave or diverging lens, you will notice that objects appear upright, as in the case 3 image mentioned.
Concave mirrors and lenses have a caved-in surface and can distort the size and orientation of the image seen by the observer, often creating virtual images where the light appears to diverge from a principal focal point.
In contrast, convex mirrors or lenses bulge outwards, often spreading out light and making images appear smaller, which can lead to misperception of distance.