Scattering of Light Quiz

Scattering of Light

• The process of atoms and molecules in the air absorbing sunlight and re-emitting light in all directions is known as scattering.

Intensity of Scattered Light

• The intensity of scattered light is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength of the light.

Color of the Sky

• The sky appears blue during the day because shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, are scattered more than longer wavelengths, like red and orange.

Color of Sunrise and Sunset

• The sunrise and sunset appear reddish in color because longer wavelengths of light, like red and orange, are able to travel longer distances through the atmosphere, reaching our eyes from a more oblique angle.

Color of Clouds

• Clouds appear white because they scatter all wavelengths of light equally in all directions, due to the irregular shape of the water droplets.

Scattering of Visible Light

• Violet light is scattered the most, while red light is scattered the least, according to the text.

Tyndall Effect

• The main reason clouds appear white is due to the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by small particles or molecules.
• The phenomenon of scattering of light by dust, particles, smoke, and water droplets suspended in air was first explained by John Tyndall.
• The condition required for the Tyndall effect to occur is the presence of small particles or molecules in the air.

Other Facts

• Shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, are more scattered than longer wavelengths, like red and orange.
• Sajid Mostaque is the Director of STEM Learning.

Test your knowledge on the phenomenon of scattering of light, where atoms and molecules in the atmosphere absorb and re-emit sunlight in all directions. Explore concepts like scatterers and the law of scattering.