Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: paul.fr on 02/10/2007 05:34:10

Title: Depth illusion - Why do swimming pools appear shallower than they really are?
Post by: paul.fr on 02/10/2007 05:34:10

I am standing at the side of the pool, and the sign says it is 2m deep. Why when viewed from above does it look shallow, and nowhere near 2m deep?

Title: Re: Depth illusion - Why do swimming pools appear shallower than they really are?
Post by: lightarrow on 02/10/2007 08:08:24

Quote from: paul.fr on 02/10/2007 05:34:10

I am standing at the side of the pool, and the sign says it is 2m deep. Why when viewed from above does it look shallow, and nowhere near 2m deep?

Because of refraction, light is bent making a greater angle when it comes out of water going in air, so they seems coming from a less distance, that is, an object inside water seems positioned at a less distance. It would be more easy to explain with a drawing.

Title: Re: Depth illusion - Why do swimming pools appear shallower than they really are?
Post by: lightarrow on 02/10/2007 12:19:38

Quote from: richie1 on 02/10/2007 11:33:41

is this like magnification. when i look into a pool like that it seems that the water almost acts like a magnifying glass, making the bottom of the pool look closer and the water decievingly less deep. i am not sure what is really happening, but it is a thought. light plays a lot of tricks on water when it comes to respect of our eyes.

Something alike.