Rayleigh scattering on gases-questions

In summary, the amount of Rayleigh scattering on neon gas versus air will depend on the average particle diameter and index of refraction. By finding these parameters, one can calculate the scattering intensity and determine if the laser beam would be visible when shone through a tube of neon gas compared to a laser pointer.
  • #1
ty1
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first question, would there be more rayleigh scattering on neon gas vs air?

im wondering if you have a tube of neon gas, and shine a laser through it, will the laser beam become visible? as opposed to shining a laser pointer around and only seeing the dot.
 
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  • #2
ty1 said:
first question, would there be more rayleigh scattering on neon gas vs air?

im wondering if you have a tube of neon gas, and shine a laser through it, will the laser beam become visible? as opposed to shining a laser pointer around and only seeing the dot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering

Going to depend on the parameters in the equation given there. Does Neon have larger or smaller average particle diameter compared to air? Does it have a larger or smaller index of refraction? If you find those, you'll be able to calculate the scattering intensity.
 

1. What is Rayleigh scattering on gases?

Rayleigh scattering on gases is a phenomenon where particles in a gas, such as air, scatter light in all directions. This scattering is caused by the interaction between the light and the particles, which are much smaller than the wavelength of the light. The scattered light appears blue in the sky during the day, and red during sunrise and sunset.

2. How does Rayleigh scattering on gases affect the color of the sky?

Rayleigh scattering on gases is responsible for the blue color of the sky. This is because the shorter blue wavelengths of light are scattered more than the longer red wavelengths. The scattered blue light is then visible to our eyes, making the sky appear blue during the day. During sunrise and sunset, the longer red wavelengths are scattered more, giving the sky a red or orange hue.

3. What other factors can affect the intensity of Rayleigh scattering on gases?

The intensity of Rayleigh scattering on gases is affected by several factors, including the density and composition of the gas, the wavelength of the light, and the angle of the incident light. Higher gas density and shorter wavelengths result in stronger scattering, while longer wavelengths and perpendicular incident light result in weaker scattering.

4. Can Rayleigh scattering on gases be observed in other environments besides Earth's atmosphere?

Yes, Rayleigh scattering on gases can be observed in other environments besides Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon can also occur in other planets' atmospheres, as well as in laboratory settings using different gases. However, the colors observed may vary depending on the gas composition and atmospheric conditions.

5. How is Rayleigh scattering on gases used in scientific research and technology?

Rayleigh scattering on gases is used in a variety of scientific research and technologies. For example, it is used in atmospheric studies to understand the composition and behavior of Earth's atmosphere. It is also utilized in remote sensing techniques, such as lidar, to measure atmospheric properties. Additionally, Rayleigh scattering is used in optical communications, where the scattering of light is used to transmit data through optical fibers.

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