Question

How is light scattered by air?

Answer 1

Hint: We have to remember that scattering is a term which is used in science for describing a wide range of physical processes in which moving particles, radiation of some form, which can be light or sound. Scattering hence refers to particle to particle collisions between molecules, atoms or electrons, photons and some other particles. Scattering of light is also seen in air. Rayleigh' principle plays a very important role in scattering effect.

Complete step by step answer:
We need to know that the scattering is a phenomenon of changes in direction of different light rays as they travel through the atmosphere of earth.
As we know that the air is a mixture of gases, smoke or dust and other very fine particles.
When the rays of light will fall on these particles, these rays are spread or scattered in all directions.
This is a natural phenomenon which can be observed daily.
In the air, part of the sunlight is scattered. The small particles which are molecules and tiny water droplets and dust particles that can scatter more photons, the wavelength will be shorter.
Rayleigh's scattering is elastic scattering from tiny particles for example atoms or molecules which can result in scattered radiation which occurs in all directions this happens uniformly.
Rayleigh scattering is dependent on wavelengths with shorter wavelengths being more scattered.
Brillouin scattering is about an inelastic scattering mechanism that typically occurs in light scattering from solid materials or hard materials.
As we know that the Raman’s scattering is an inelastic scattering mechanism in which the frequency of the scattered radiation is being changed by the gain or loss of energy that corresponds to energy levels of an atom or a molecule.

Note:
We must know that our sky appears blue, while direct sunlight is yellowish or reddish when the sun is very low. The reason is scattering of light. The particles or molecules that can scatter light are called scatters. This can also be included in particulates that are made by human industry.