Question

Which of the following are examples of scattering of light?

• A. Blue color of the sky
• B. Reddening of the sun at sunrise and sunset
• C. Color of water in deep seas and oceans
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

The molecules of water and other fine particles in the atmosphere scatter light of shorter wavelengths at the blue end than light of longer wavelengths at the red end. Thus, when sunlight passes through water and air, the fine particles scatter the blue color more strongly than red. This scattered blue light enters our eyes and makes the ocean and sky appear blue. Near the horizon sunlight passes through thicker layers of air having larger particles that scatter light of longer wavelength such as the red end of the spectrum. Also it travels larger distance at horizon causing most of the light of shorter wavelength at the blue end of the spectrum to scatter away by the small particles of the atmosphere before reaching the earth.

Option D.