Earth's atmosphere is able to gradually refract light rays:
A) only when it is very dry.
B) only when the sun is very high in the sky.
C) because of the changing density of air as you get closer to the surface.
D) because of air pollution that is present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earth's atmosphere is able to gradually refract light rays due to the changing density of air as you get closer to the surface. This is known as atmospheric refraction and it causes objects that are near the horizon to appear higher than they actually are. It is also the reason why the sun appears to be rising before it has actually crossed the horizon and why it appears to be setting later than it actually has.

Earth's Atmosphere Is Able to Gradually Refract Light Rays