University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 34 - Geometric Optics - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1151: Q34.23

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

Transparent tissues are mostly water, so the cornea has a similar index of refraction to that of water. The usual refraction that happens when light enters the eye from air doesn’t take place, when light enters the eye from water. That is why you cannot see clearly with the naked eye when you are underwater. You could wear converging eyeglasses that “pre-focus” the light, doing the job that is normally done at the air-cornea interface.
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