Why does my straw look broken in water?

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentChip asked me why a straw looks broken in a glass of water. I have three PhDs, and this is my life now.

2. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOoh, I know this one. The straw gets scared of the water and folds up like a lawn chair.

3. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNo. Step one: light travels a bit slower in water than in air.

4. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorLike the Tilt-A-Whirl at the Marion County Fair! The water is the ride operator, and he's slowing everybody down.

5. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep two: when light goes from water into air, it changes speed and bends. Per Wikipedia, that bending is called refraction.

6. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the light gets flung out of the car at the sharp turn. Somebody's losing a corn dog.

7. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep three: the light from the underwater part of the straw bends on its way to your eyes.

8. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd the straw guy ends up in the wrong seat. Poor guy.

9. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep four: so that part looks like it is in a different place. The straw isn't broken. Your eyes are being tricked.

10. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIs that why a pool looks shallower than it is?

11. 

    Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentYes! The same bending makes the bottom of a pool look closer than it really is. That's exactly right.

12. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI knew it. The Tilt-A-Whirl line always looks shorter too. Can I ride the straw?