A swimming pool is 2.1m deep. If it contains water of refractive index 1.3, calculate the apparent depth of pool
Answer Details
When light enters from one medium to another, its speed changes and it bends. This is called refraction. The refractive index (n) of a medium is the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the medium.
The formula for calculating the apparent depth (d') of an object in a medium is given as:
d' = d/n
where d is the actual depth of the object and n is the refractive index of the medium.
In this case, the actual depth of the pool is given as 2.1m and the refractive index of water is 1.3.
Therefore, the apparent depth of the pool can be calculated as follows:
d' = 2.1m / 1.3 = 1.6m
Thus, the apparent depth of the pool is 1.6m. Therefore, the correct option is C.