ati teas 7 science Related

Review ati teas 7 science related questions and content

What phenomenon is responsible for the mirage effect seen in deserts?

  • A. Diffraction
  • B. Refraction
  • C. Interference
  • D. Polarization
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another of different density. In deserts, the temperature gradient causes light to bend, creating the mirage effect where distant objects appear distorted or displaced. Diffraction refers to the bending of light around obstacles or apertures, not the cause of mirages. Interference involves the superposition of two or more waves, which is not the mechanism behind mirages. Polarization refers to the orientation of light waves in a specific plane and is not responsible for the mirage effect in deserts. Therefore, the correct answer is refraction.