Rayleigh Scattering Cause
Rayleigh scattering is a type of light scattering that happens when electromagnetic radiation (like visible light) interacts with particles. This specific type of scattering occurs when the size of the particles is significantly smaller than the wavelength of the radiation.
For Rayleigh scattering to occur, the condition is that the particle size ($d$) must be much smaller than the wavelength of light ($\lambda$). This can be written as: $d \ll \lambda$
In Earth's atmosphere, the primary scatterers are gas molecules like nitrogen ($N_2$) and oxygen ($O_2$). These molecules have diameters far smaller than the wavelengths of visible light (which range from approximately 400 nm to 700 nm).
Because these atmospheric molecules are much smaller than the wavelength of light, they efficiently scatter shorter wavelengths (blue and violet light) more than longer wavelengths (red and orange light). This differential scattering is responsible for the blue color of the sky.
Therefore, Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere is caused by molecules whose size is much smaller than the wavelength.
Important Questions from Atmosphere
- What is atmospheric window?
- Which one of the following gas was not released through volcanoes around 4 billion years ago?
Absolute humidity in atmosphere at $ 10^\circ $ is $5.0$ g/m$^3$ and maximum amount of water air can hold at same temperature is $ 10$ g m$^3$. What will be the relative humidity at the same temperature?
- The change of atmospheric air temperature with altitude is _____
- Assertion (A) : Warmth of sun’s rays is advantageous during evening time.
Reason (R) : Evening air contains moisture which absorbs the heat and allows the light.
Select the most appropriate option :
