An under-water swimmer cannot see very clearly even in absolutely clea...
The eye lens is surrounded by a different medium than air. This will change the focal length of the eye lens. The eye cannot accommodate all images as it would do in air.
An under-water swimmer cannot see very clearly even in absolutely clea...
Absorption of Light in Water
- Absorption of light in water refers to the process where light energy is absorbed by water molecules.
- This absorption process reduces the intensity of light as it travels through water.
- However, the absorption of light in water is not the primary reason why an underwater swimmer cannot see clearly.
Scattering of Light in Water
- Scattering of light in water occurs when light interacts with particles or molecules in the water, causing it to change direction.
- This scattering process can cause the light to scatter in multiple directions, making it difficult for the swimmer to see objects clearly.
- While scattering does contribute to reduced visibility underwater, it is not the main reason for the swimmer's unclear vision.
Reduction of Speed of Light in Water
- When light travels from one medium to another, such as from air to water, its speed changes.
- In the case of light entering water, its speed decreases.
- This change in speed can cause the light rays to bend or refract, which can affect the swimmer's ability to see clearly.
- However, the reduction of speed of light in water is not the primary reason for the swimmer's unclear vision.
Change in the Focal Length of Eye Lens
- The main reason why an underwater swimmer cannot see clearly is due to the change in the focal length of the eye lens.
- When light enters the eye, it passes through the cornea, the aqueous humor, and finally the lens before reaching the retina.
- The lens of the eye adjusts its shape to focus the incoming light onto the retina, forming a clear image.
- However, when the eye is submerged in water, the refractive index of the water is different from the refractive index of the eye's lens.
- This difference in refractive index causes the lens to lose its ability to focus light properly, resulting in a blurred vision for the swimmer.
- The swimmer's eye is essentially trying to focus light as if it were in air, but the presence of water changes the conditions and leads to a compromised focus.
- Therefore, the change in the focal length of the eye lens is the primary reason why an underwater swimmer cannot see clearly.