Question

Which of the following physical processes is responsible for the blue color of the sky?

• A. Absorption of solar radiation by air molecules
• B. Total internal reflection of solar radiations by clouds
• C. Scattering of solar radiation by air molecules and particles
• D. Dispersion of solar radiations by clouds

Hint:

Remember the different light phenomena: - \textbf{Blue Sky:} Rayleigh Scattering (by small air molecules). - \textbf{Red Sunset/Sunrise:} Also Rayleigh Scattering (blue light is scattered away, leaving red light to reach the observer). - \textbf{White Clouds:} Mie Scattering (by larger water droplets, scatters all colors equally). - \textbf{Rainbows:} Dispersion and Total Internal Reflection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the scientific reason why the sky appears blue on a clear day.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The phenomenon responsible for the blue color of the sky is Rayleigh scattering.
Sunlight is made up of a spectrum of colors. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, it interacts with the tiny gas molecules (mostly nitrogen and oxygen).
These molecules scatter the sunlight. Rayleigh scattering is more effective for shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) than for longer wavelengths (red and orange).
Because the blue light is scattered much more than other colors, it reaches our eyes from all directions in the sky, making the sky appear blue.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The scattering of solar radiation by air molecules and particles is responsible for the blue color of the sky.