How Does Wavelength Affect Scattering Angle in Light?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the wavelength of light and the scattering angle, specifically comparing two colors of sunlight. The original poster seeks to understand how the scattering angle of one color relates to the wavelength of another color.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between wavelength and scattering angles, with references to diffraction and interference patterns. There are attempts to clarify the nature of the scattering being discussed, with some suggesting it may relate to Rayleigh scattering.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants questioning the assumptions made about the scattering process. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of formulas related to diffraction, although there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the requirement to show work in the forum, which has led to some frustration regarding the ability to articulate their understanding without initial guidance. There is also a reference to the potential misinterpretation of the problem's context, particularly regarding the nature of scattering versus diffraction.

Dx
If sunlight of color B is scattered through an angle 16 times greater than sunlight of color A, then the wavelength of color B is?

Dx :wink:
 
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Dx, you should know by now that you have to show your work.
 
Originally posted by Tom
Dx, you should know by now that you have to show your work.

Tom,
I have been doing just that but if I don't know what to do then why should i put down anything 'ol down. By putting just something down not only wastes your time and mine but I think insults our intellengence as well. I am not here to try and bs anyone. I understand your rules and do comply, sir. But I can't put anything down which I do not have. Thats why I am asking for help.
Thank you, Tom!
Very respectfully,
Dx :wink:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You could at least say you don't know where to start so you can get some hints. :P
 
Originally posted by stuffy
You could at least say you don't know where to start so you can get some hints. :P

I believe this is understood stuffy. If I don't say anything since the forum states "you must include your work with the problems" but I don't want to beat a dying horse here so forget it. I am asking for help you can choose to help or not that's your decision. I don't want to argue with anyone, just asking for anyes help who wants to if not its ok. Anyways, can someone justdelete this thread since its really getting off the subject of what I have asked, please.
Later.
Dx
 
Originally posted by Dx
If sunlight of color B is scattered through an angle 16 times greater than sunlight of color A, then the wavelength of color B is?

OK, I assume this is scattering by diffraction. First tell me what is the relationship between wavelength and diffraction angle.
 


Originally posted by Tom
OK, I assume this is scattering by diffraction. First tell me what is the relationship between wavelength and diffraction angle.

See this is what thorws me off too. I am unclear what to do so let's go with what your saying if its not right ok then but at least i learned something.
I know defraction refers to the fact that light, likr other waves bends around objects it passes and spreads out thru narrow slits. This patter has interference between rays of light that travel distances which gives me this formula
sin[the] = [lamb]/D. I am to assue that the ans is simply 1/16 of that color of A or no?

Dx
 


Originally posted by Dx
sin[the] = [lamb]/D.

This is the formula for 2-slit interference; I was thinking that it was single-slit diffraction. But OK, let's proceed with this one. If the other one was intended, it is a simple thing to fix.

I am to assue that the ans is simply 1/16 of that color of A or no?

No, you are supposed to calculate the answer to find out what it is. Set up two equations as follows:

sin(θA)=λA/D
sin(θB)=λB/D

You also have:

16θA=θB

You need to solve for the ratio: λB/λA.

This is not easy to solve, and I am thinking we are on the wrong track by interpreting "scattering" this way. In your book, what topics are discussed in the section in which this problem appears?
 
Im just going to be lazy and link to this because its pretty much the same principle, you need to determine the y value before finding the angle thinks I.
 
  • #10
Originally posted by Dx
If sunlight of color B is scattered through an angle 16 times greater than sunlight of color A, then the wavelength of color B is?

Dx :wink:

I suspect what Dx is talking about is Raleigh Scattering, which is dependent on wavelength and goes as the inverse fourth power of the wavelength, which means B is half the wavelength of A. The factor of 16 is the scattering intensity and not the angle.
 

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