Q: Definition of Refraction?

Answer: A ray of light in passing from one medium into another undergoes a change in its
direction at the surface of separation of the two mediums. This change of direction is called
refraction.

Q. To show that for moderate zenith distances the refraction of a heavenly

body (temperature and pressure of atmosphere remaining constant) varies as
the tangent of the apparent or observed zenith distance.
Proof: Let AB and CD be the surfaces of the earth and the highest layer of the atmosphere
respectively.

In the figure ¿ ZO S' =apparent zenith distance,¿ SP S' =amount of refraction(x say), so that angle
of incidence ¿ OPN =¿ POZ= z .By Snell’s 2nd law,

sin ⁡( z + x)
=μ( constant )
sin z

¿ , sinz cosx +cosz sinx=μ sinz

Since x is small, in circular measure

sinx=x∧cosx=1 , very nearly .

sinz .1+ cosz . x=μ sinz

¿ , x cos z =( μ−1 ) sin z

∴ x=( μ−1 ) tan z=Ktan z ,Where K =μ−1

K is called co efficient of refraction.

Thus the amount of refraction varies as the tangent of the apparent zenith distance.