Exam 16: Optical Phenomena of the Atmosphere

Rainbows are always seen with the Sun:

Halos:

The color sequence of a corona is exactly opposite that of a halo.

When light is refracted, the degree of bending is determined in part by:

_________occurs when cold air near the surface bends light in the same direction as the Earth's curvature, causing the object to appear suspended above the horizon.

Internal reflection is an appropriate process in creating which type of optical phenomenon?

Clouds that refract sunlight or moonlight and take on bright violet, green, and pink colors are called:

Refraction is not a part of the optical process of forming halos.

We are able to see the sun for several minutes AFTER it has slipped below the horizon because:

The _____forms in association with the Moon as well as the Sun.

The_______ is not often seen by earthbound observers.

Usually seen near sunrise or sunset in association with falling ice crystals, _ are vertical shafts of light that appear to extend upward from the Sun.

Why are mirages generally associated with either very hot surface temperatures or very cold surface temperatures?

If light enters a transparent medium at a right angle (perpendicular), what change occurs to the light?

The bending of light by reflection is responsible for such common optical illusions as the apparent displacement of the position of the stars, the Moon, and the Sun.

Usually ______color bands can be observed in a rainbow.

The "wet area" or water surface mirage as seen on a highway occurs when:

Internal reflection is an important factor in the formation of optical phenomena.

Which of these atmospheric properties is most important concerning whether mirages will be seen?

When two people view a rainbow, they both are observing the same bow produced by the same set of raindrops.