Scattering in water or atmosphere

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SUMMARY

Scattering occurs when light interacts with particles, such as dust in the atmosphere or molecules in water. The discussion clarifies that while scattering happens with both particles and surfaces, the behavior differs; light is primarily forward scattered by particles, whereas glass surfaces result in significant angular scattering. The geometry of the light beam relative to the size of the scattering object is crucial in understanding these phenomena.

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  • Understanding of light scattering principles
  • Familiarity with particle size and geometry
  • Knowledge of optical properties of materials
  • Basic concepts of light behavior in different mediums
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  • Explore "Mie scattering" and its relevance to larger particles
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coke
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hi, i want to know why scattering can occur when the light beam meet the particle, dust in atmosphere or molecules in water ..., but why not when they meet the glass surface and let the electrons in the glass surface be scattered? can anyone kindly help me, and tell me more about this ? thanks very much.
 
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There is scattering in both cases. In one, most of the light is forward scattered, while form another, there is considerable angular scattering.

There's no need to invoke atoms- simple geometry (size of beam vs. object) is sufficient.
 

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