How does sun rays pass through the atmosphere layers?

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    Atmosphere Rays Sun
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of light propagation through the atmosphere and the concept of a medium for light transmission. It explores theoretical aspects of electromagnetic radiation, its interaction with atmospheric layers, and historical perspectives on the medium for light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that light requires a medium to propagate, questioning what that medium might be in space.
  • Others argue that light, as electromagnetic radiation, does not require a medium and can propagate through a vacuum.
  • One participant notes that the atmosphere is transparent to certain wavelengths of light, allowing them to pass through while being opaque to others.
  • A historical perspective is introduced, mentioning that the concept of "aether" as a medium was refuted in the 19th century, with modern theories suggesting light propagates without a medium.
  • Another participant proposes that if a medium is to be considered, it could be the electromagnetic field itself, which encompasses electric and magnetic forces throughout space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether light requires a medium for propagation, with some supporting the idea of a medium and others rejecting it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of a medium for light transmission.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical concepts and modern theories, indicating a dependence on definitions of light and medium, as well as the interaction of light with atmospheric layers. There are unresolved aspects regarding the implications of these definitions on the understanding of light propagation.

josephcaritel
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Light requires some medium to pass through, what's the medium in the space, and How does sunrays enters into the earth.
 
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josephcaritel said:
Light requires some medium to pass through,

No, it doesn't. Electromagnetic radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, and these can exist and propagate in a vacuum.

josephcaritel said:
what's the medium in the space, and How does sunrays enters into the earth.

The atmosphere is transparent at some wavelengths, and opaque at others. Transparent just means that the light waves can simply pass through the atmosphere unimpeded by the particles that are present. (They interact with these particles and are slowed by them, but their progress is not stopped entirely).
 
Last edited:
josephcaritel said:
Light requires some medium to pass through, what's the medium in the space

That medium used to be known as "aether", and its existence was experimentally refuted in the 19th century. Modern physical theories believe that light propagates through the space without any other media.
 
Light is electro-magnetic waves. If you really must have a medium, it is the electro-magnetic field which, at every point in space is the vector sum of all electric and magnetic forces from all objects in the universe.
 

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