Why do distant objects appear smaller to the observer than nearby ones?

Subject: Why do distant objects appear smaller to the observer than nearby ones?

Date: Mon Apr 24 08:21:38 2000
Posted by Guy Taylor
Grade level: undergrad School: Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
City: London State/Province: Greater London Country: UK
Area of science: Physics
ID: 956582498.Ph

Message:


This question seems simple but I can't think of a logical explanation as 
to why it should be so.  Does it have something to do with the behaviour 
of light rays or the human eye?  If light rays travel in straight lines, 
surely the perceived size of an object should be the same irrespective of 
its distance from the observer.  Please help!

Re: Why do distant objects appear smaller to the observer than nearby ones?

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