What is Rayleigh scattering?

Name: Exam Paper Generator | JEE NEET Paper Generator | Vedclass
Brand: Vedclass
Rating: 5 (35 reviews)

Question

(B) Rayleigh scattering is the scattering of light by particles (such as air molecules) that are much smaller than the wavelength of the incident ligh

Vedclass · Accepted Answer

The scattering of light by particles much smaller than the wavelength of light.

Vedclass · Answer

(B) Rayleigh scattering is the scattering of light by particles (such as air molecules) that are much smaller than the wavelength of the incident light. According to Rayleigh's law,the intensity of scattered light $I$ is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength $\lambda$ of the incident light,given by the relation $I \propto \frac{1}{\lambda^4}$. This phenomenon explains why the sky appears blue,as shorter wavelengths (blue light) are scattered more strongly than longer wavelengths (red light) by the molecules in the Earth's atmosphere.

Similar Questions

Assertion : The blue colour of the sky appears due to the scattering of blue light.
Reason : Blue light has the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum.

What is scattering of light? And on what factors does the scattering depend?

Select the correct statement about a rainbow.

Assertion: The stars twinkle while the planets do not.
Reason: The stars are much bigger in size than the planets.

Why are clouds seen to be of white colour?

Vedclass Test Series

Exam Paper Generator

Online Exam Module