search
arrow-left Previous
Next arrow-right
Q: What is the time difference between the actual passing of the sun over the horizon and out being able to see the image of it on earth?
  • A. 10 minute
  • B. 8 minute
  • C. 4 minute
  • D. 2 minute
Correct Answer: Option D - We are able to see the Sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise and 2 minutes after the actual sunset due to refraction of light by the atmosphere. Actual sunrise, we mean the actual crossing of the horizontal by the Sun. When the sun is slightly below the horizontal, the Sun light comes from less dense air to more dense air. Therefore the light is refracted downwards as its passes through the atmosphere. As a result, the Sun appears to be raised above the horizon and we are able to see the sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise.
D. We are able to see the Sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise and 2 minutes after the actual sunset due to refraction of light by the atmosphere. Actual sunrise, we mean the actual crossing of the horizontal by the Sun. When the sun is slightly below the horizontal, the Sun light comes from less dense air to more dense air. Therefore the light is refracted downwards as its passes through the atmosphere. As a result, the Sun appears to be raised above the horizon and we are able to see the sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise.

Explanations:

We are able to see the Sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise and 2 minutes after the actual sunset due to refraction of light by the atmosphere. Actual sunrise, we mean the actual crossing of the horizontal by the Sun. When the sun is slightly below the horizontal, the Sun light comes from less dense air to more dense air. Therefore the light is refracted downwards as its passes through the atmosphere. As a result, the Sun appears to be raised above the horizon and we are able to see the sun 2 minutes before the actual sunrise.