Question

What happens when a fine beam of sunlight enters a smoke-filled room through a small hole?

Answer 1

Step 1: Tyndall Effect

When colloidal particles are struck by a beam of light, the light is scattered in all directions, illuminating the particles along the path. This phenomenon is known as the Tyndall effect.

For example,

1. When light passes in a glass of milk, light is scattered,
2. When a torch is focused in a foggy environment, the path of the light is visible.

Step 2: When a fine beam of sunlight passes through a small opening in a smoke-filled room, then:

1. The light is scattered in the room and this phenomenon is termed the Tyndall effect.
2. The particles in the room become visible due to the scattering of light.