WBCS.LIVE practice question

Which physical principle is responsible for the 'twinkling of stars'?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Total Internal Reflection
  2. Atmospheric Refraction
  3. Dispersion of Light
  4. Scattering of Light

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Atmospheric Refraction

Explanation: āœ… Correct Answer: (B) Atmospheric Refraction šŸ“š Explanation: The twinkling of stars (scintillation) is caused by the refraction of starlight as it passes through different layers of the Earth's atmosphere. These layers have varying densities and temperatures, which constantly change. As the starlight passes through these shifting layers, its path bends slightly back and forth. This causes the star's apparent position and brightness to fluctuate rapidly, creating the twinkling effect.