AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
The Sun appears to rise earlier than it actually does. Due to atmospheric refraction, light from the Sun bends towards the normal as it enters the denser atmosphere, making the Sun visible about 2 minutes before it actually crosses the horizon.
The key points examiners look for: (1) the correct answer — "earlier," and (2) the reason linked to atmospheric refraction bending sunlight so the Sun is visible before actual sunrise. The passage specifically states "The Sun is visible to us about 2 minutes before the actual sunrise... because of atmospheric refraction." Mentioning "2 minutes" adds precision but is not strictly required for 1 mark.
Source: Chapter 10, Section 10.5 (Advance sunrise and delayed sunset)