Understanding Scattering of Light in the Atmosphere

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    Light Scattering
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the scattering of light in the atmosphere, specifically addressing whether light is scattered with equal speed in all directions relative to the atmosphere. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects of light propagation, the implications of the Michelson-Morley (MM) experiment, and the nature of scattering processes such as Rayleigh and Mie scattering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if light is scattered with equal speed in all directions relative to the atmosphere.
  • Another participant asserts that individual photons maintain a velocity of "c" and that light propagation is uniform under the assumption of a uniform atmosphere, though practical variations exist due to atmospheric conditions.
  • It is noted that Rayleigh and Mie scattering are elastic processes, resulting in a change in spatial distribution without energy transformation.
  • A participant suggests that the MM experiment confirms that light traveling in different directions maintains the same speed.
  • There is a proposal to clarify that this speed is "with respect to the media from which it was scattered," acknowledging that the MM experiment was not conducted in a vacuum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the notion that light maintains its speed when scattered, but there is some debate regarding the implications of the MM experiment and the conditions under which this speed is measured.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the MM experiment fully, nor does it clarify the conditions under which light speed is measured in relation to the scattering media.

hartlw
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When light is scattered by the atmosphere, is it scattered with equal speed in all directions relative to the atmosphere?
 
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yes. individual photons will continue to move at velocity "c"...and the light will propagate uniformely if you assume the atmosphere itself is uniform...likely it will vary in pracice due to differences in atmospheric humidity and other non uniformities...

The important processes in the atmosphere (Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering) are elastic. No energy transformation results, only a change in the spatial distribution of the radiation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuse_sky_radiation
 
Naty1

Thank you.
 
If light is scattered by the atmosphere with equal speeds in all directions relative to the atmosphere, isn't this all that MM is confirming?
 
Well, I guess you could say that, yes, the MM experiment confirms that light traveling in different directions always goes the same speed.
 
russ_watters said:
Well, I guess you could say that, yes, the MM experiment confirms that light traveling in different directions always goes the same speed.


Would it be legitimate to add "with respect to the media from which it was scattered?" (MM was not in a vacuum).
 

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