Why do large particles scatter more light than smaller particles?

thewall12

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Silly question, I know. I suspect it's because of a wider reflecting angle due to the diameter, but I'm not quite sure.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

zhermes

I think you have the right idea---but 'wider angle' isn't quite the right way to think about it. Bigger objects have a larger cross-section, more light hits them, thus more light is scattered.

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thewall12	Why do large particles scatter more light than smaller particles? 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Silly question, I know. I suspect it's because of a wider reflecting angle due to the diameter, but I'm not quite sure. 2. Relevant equations 3. The attempt at a solution

zhermes	I think you have the right idea---but 'wider angle' isn't quite the right way to think about it. Bigger objects have a larger cross-section, more light hits them, thus more light is scattered.