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Scattering of Light

8.6  Scattering of Light

 

Definition
Scattering of light occurs when light is reflected in all directions by clouds on particles in the air.

 

During midday:

  • Blue light is scattered the most in all directions by the tiny particles in the atmosphere. 
  • Thus, the sky looks blue during midday.
 

 

During sunset:

  • The sun is at the horizon
  • Red and orange light are less scattered and will go through the atmosphere to reach our eyes.
  • Other coloured lights such as blue light are scattered away.
  • Thus, the sky looks reddish during sunset.
The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of Pandai.

Scattering of Light

8.6  Scattering of Light

 

Definition
Scattering of light occurs when light is reflected in all directions by clouds on particles in the air.

 

During midday:

  • Blue light is scattered the most in all directions by the tiny particles in the atmosphere. 
  • Thus, the sky looks blue during midday.
 

 

During sunset:

  • The sun is at the horizon
  • Red and orange light are less scattered and will go through the atmosphere to reach our eyes.
  • Other coloured lights such as blue light are scattered away.
  • Thus, the sky looks reddish during sunset.
The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of Pandai.
Chapter : Light and Optics
Topic : Scattering of light
Form 1 Science
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