Question
Why do stars twinkle on a clear night?

Answer

The light coming from a star undergoes atmospheric refraction due to varying optical densities of air at various altitudes. The continuously changing atmosphere refracts the light from the star by different amounts from one moment to the next. Thus, the star-light reaching our eyes increases and decreases continuously and the star appears to twinkle.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free

Similar questions

Describe the New Cartesian Sign Convention used in optics. Draw a labelled diagram to illustrate this sign convention.
With the help of a circuit diagram, obtain the relation for the equivalent resistance of two resistances connected in parallel.
In the circuit diagram shown below, find:
  1. Total resistance.
  2. Current shown by the ammeter A

Derive the expression for the heat produced due to a current ‘I’ flowing for a time interval ‘t’ through a resistor ‘R’ having a potential difference ‘V’ across its ends. With which name is this relation known?
The power of a combination of two lenses X and Y is 5D. If the focal length of lens X be 15cm:
  1. Calculate the focal length of lens Y.
  2. State the nature of lens Y.
An erect image 2.0cm high is formed 12cm from a lens, the object being 0.5cm high. Find the focal length of the lens.
What is the nuclear fuel in the sun? Describe the process by which energy is released in the sun. Write the equation of the nuclear reaction involved.
For which position of the object does a convex lens form a virtual and erect image? Explain with the help of a ray diagram.
Why is parallel arrangement used in domestic wiring?
An object of height 5 cm is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a concave lens of focal length 10 cm. If the distance of the object from the optical centre of the lens is 20 cm, determine the position, nature and size of the image formed using the lens formula.
a. Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines produced by a current carrying circular loop showing the direction of current in the loop and the direction of the magnetic field lines.
b. State the rule which can be applied to know the direction of magnetic field lines in the above case.