Rayleigh scattering causing blue skies

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SUMMARY

Rayleigh scattering is the phenomenon responsible for the blue appearance of the sky. In the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light, particularly blue, are scattered more than other colors due to their interaction with air molecules. This scattering causes the blue light to dominate the visual spectrum, leading to the perception of a blue sky, despite the presence of other colors. The discussion clarifies that the intensity of scattered blue light is sufficient to make the sky appear blue rather than white.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Rayleigh scattering principles
  • Basic knowledge of light wavelengths and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Familiarity with atmospheric physics
  • Concept of color perception in human vision
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of Rayleigh scattering in detail
  • Explore the electromagnetic spectrum and its impact on color perception
  • Study atmospheric composition and its effect on light scattering
  • Investigate how different wavelengths of light interact with various materials
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Students studying physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in understanding the scientific explanation behind the color of the sky.

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Homework Statement


The atmopshere allows all the colours of white light except the blue one and instead absorbs it. It is then scattered as blue light. However, I don't get why we would see it as blue. Won't the scattered light overlap all the other colours that were not refracted? So shouldn't the sky appear white?


Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



The only reasoning is that the blue light is so much greater that even after overlapping the other unabsorbed colour of light (to make it white) there's still some excess. But this also doesn't make sense as the amount of blue waves will be equal to the other colours as white light enters our atmosphere.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Consider the paths taken by by different wavelengths from the sun to your eye. (What colour does the sun appear to be?)
 

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