Scattering and wavelength dependence

In summary, the reason why longer wavelengths are easier to scatter is due to their lower energy compared to shorter wavelengths. This means that shorter wavelengths are more likely to be scattered in the atmosphere, causing the sky to appear blue. However, the relationship between wavelength and scattering is complex and depends on various factors such as particle size and atmospheric conditions.
  • #1
coke
8
0
i don't know why the longer the wavelenght, the easier for it to be sattered ?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF, Coke.
I have pretty much zero knowledge of optics, but I would suspect that it's simply because longer wavelengths are less energetic. Red light, therefore, would be more likely to be 'diluted' than blue.
There are quite a few guys here who know an awful lot more about the subject, and they'll be with you shortly.
 
  • #3
It's not always true that longer wavelengths are scattered more. In fact, the sky appears blue because shorter wavelengths are scattered more efficiently in the atmosphere.

In any case, the question can be simply "How does scattering depend on wavelength"? And the answer to that would fill several books. For atmospheric scattering (particles that are much smaller than a wavelength), the scattering efficiency goes as 1/(wavelength)^4. For spheres of arbitrary size, the scattering goes as 1/x^2, where x = radius/wavelength (Mie scattering).
 

What is scattering?

Scattering refers to the process of dispersing a beam of light or particles in different directions due to interactions with other particles in the medium. This can occur when light or particles encounter obstacles or particles that are smaller than their wavelength.

What factors affect the scattering of light?

The factors that affect the scattering of light include the wavelength of the light, the size and density of the particles in the medium, and the refractive index of the medium. The scattering is also influenced by the angle of incidence and the polarization of the light.

How does wavelength influence scattering?

The wavelength of light has a direct impact on its scattering behavior. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue light, are more easily scattered by small particles, while longer wavelengths, such as red light, are less affected by scattering. This is why the sky appears blue as shorter blue wavelengths are scattered more by the particles in the atmosphere.

What is Rayleigh scattering?

Rayleigh scattering is a type of scattering that occurs when light interacts with particles that are much smaller than the wavelength of the light. This results in the light being scattered in all directions, with shorter wavelengths being scattered more than longer wavelengths. This is why the sky appears blue during the day and red during sunrise and sunset.

How is scattering used in scientific research?

Scattering is used in various scientific fields, such as atmospheric science, astronomy, and material science, to study the properties of particles and materials. By analyzing the scattering patterns of light or particles, scientists can gather information about the size, shape, and composition of the scattering medium.

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