Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason why the sun appears yellowish in color?
What is the primary reason why the sun appears yellowish in color?
What type of scattering affects longer wavelengths of light, such as red and orange?
What type of scattering affects longer wavelengths of light, such as red and orange?
Which scientist is credited with the discovery of the phenomenon of light scattering by tiny molecules of gases?
Which scientist is credited with the discovery of the phenomenon of light scattering by tiny molecules of gases?
What is the primary reason why the sky appears more red during sunrise and sunset?
What is the primary reason why the sky appears more red during sunrise and sunset?
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What is the result of Rayleigh scattering on sunlight?
What is the result of Rayleigh scattering on sunlight?
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Study Notes
Phenomena of Light
Scattering of Light
- When sunlight enters Earth's atmosphere, it encounters tiny molecules of gases such as nitrogen and oxygen
- These molecules scatter the shorter (blue) wavelengths of light more than the longer (red) wavelengths
- This is known as Rayleigh scattering, named after the British physicist Lord Rayleigh
Mie Scattering
- In addition to Rayleigh scattering, light is also scattered by aerosols and pollutants in the atmosphere
- This type of scattering, known as Mie scattering, affects longer wavelengths of light, such as red and orange
- Mie scattering is more pronounced during sunrise and sunset when the sun's rays travel through more of the atmosphere
Sun's Apparent Color
- The combined effects of Rayleigh and Mie scattering give the sun its apparent yellowish color
- The blue light is scattered away, leaving mainly red and yellow wavelengths to reach our eyes
- The exact shade of yellow can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and the time of day
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Description
Learn about the scattering of light in the Earth's atmosphere, including Rayleigh and Mie scattering, and how it affects the apparent color of the sun.
