Question

Which type of scattering is dominant when the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is much larger than the size of atmospheric particles?

• A. Non-selective scattering
• B. Mie scattering
• C. Rayleigh scattering
• D. Specular reflection

Hint:

Types of atmospheric scattering: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Rayleigh} &:\ \lambda \gg d \text{Mie} &:\ \lambda \approx d \text{Non-selective} &:\ \lambda \ll d \end{aligned} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Rayleigh scattering occurs when the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is much larger than the size of the scattering particles. It is responsible for the blue color of the sky.

Step 1: Understand Rayleigh scattering. It occurs when \[ \boxed{\lambda \gg d} \] where
• \(\lambda\) = wavelength of radiation
• \(d\) = particle diameter The scattering intensity varies inversely with the fourth power of wavelength, \[ I \propto \frac{1}{\lambda^4}. \]

Step 2: Identify the correct scattering type. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Rayleigh scattering dominates when the wavelength is much larger than the particle size}.} \] Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(C)\;\text{Rayleigh scattering}.} \]