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Question
The twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric:
(a) reflection of light
(b) dispersion of light
(c) interference of light
(d) refraction of light
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Solution
refraction of light
Atmospheric refraction is responsible for the twinkling of stars.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
What is atmospheric refraction? Use this phenomenon to explain the following natural events:
Advanced sun-rise and delayed sun-set.
Draw diagrams to illustrate your answers.
The correct sequencing of angle of incidence, angle of emergence, angle of refraction and lateral displacement shown in the following diagram by digits 1, 2, 3 and 4 is:

(a) 2, 4, 1, 3
(b) 2, 1, 4, 3
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 2, 1, 3, 4
Name the phenomenon which causes the twinkling of stars.
Name two effects produced by the atmospheric refraction.
Atmospheric refraction causes advance sunrise and delayed sunset. By how much time is:
sunrise advanced?
Atmospheric refraction causes advance sunrise and delayed sunset. By how much time is:
sunset delayed?
State whether the following statement is true or false:
The planets twinkle at night due to atmospheric refraction of light.
What is atmospheric refraction?
The stars appear higher in the sky than they actually are, due to:
(a) diffraction of light
(b) scattering of light
(c) refraction of light
(d) reflection of light
The stars twinkle but the planets do not twinkle at night because:
(a) the stars are small but the planets are large
(b) the stars are very large but planets are small
(c) the stars are much nearer but planets are far off
(d) the stars are far off but planets are nearer to earth
Due to atmospheric refraction of sunlight, the time from sunrise to sunset is lengthened by about:
(a) 6 minutes
(b) 2 minutes
(c) 4 minutes
(d) 5 minutes
A student claims that because of atmospheric refraction, the sun can be seen after it has set, and the day is, therefore, longer than if the earth had no atmosphere.
Do you think that the students conclusion is correct?
State one effect produced by the scattering of light by the atmosphere.
Why does the sky appear blue on a clear day?
The stars appear higher from horizon than they actually are. Explain why it is so.
Explain why the planets do not twinkle but the stars twinkle.
