- #1
clarityx
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Please, answer the question, Why does the sky is blue?
Why Is the Sky Blue Due to Light Scattering?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter clarityx
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the question of why the sky appears blue, focusing on the phenomenon of light scattering, particularly Rayleigh scattering. Participants explore various explanations, some humorous and others more technical, while touching on related concepts such as sunset colors and the scattering of different wavelengths of light.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention Rayleigh scattering as a key factor in the blue color of the sky, noting that shorter wavelengths scatter more than longer wavelengths.
- One participant humorously suggests that if the sky were green, it would complicate mowing grass.
- A later reply discusses how the scattering process depends on the distance light travels, explaining that during sunsets, longer wavelengths like red light become more visible due to the longer path through the atmosphere.
- Another participant expresses uncertainty about the question's phrasing and reiterates that the scattering of light is the primary explanation.
- One contribution suggests a more philosophical perspective, stating that the sky is blue because "God made it that way," while also mentioning the interaction of light with nitrogen molecules.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the phrasing of the question or the nature of the sky's color. Multiple competing views and humorous takes remain present throughout the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Some responses reflect misunderstandings or playful interpretations of the question, which may obscure the technical explanations provided. The discussion includes varying levels of technical detail and humor, leading to a mix of serious and lighthearted contributions.
- #2
zoobyshoe
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Because: the wind is high. It blows my mind.
- #3
Bob S
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Look up Rayleigh scattering on the web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering
I like the derivation and discussion in Slater and Frank "Electromagnetism" Chapter XII better than in Jackson "Classical Electrodynamics"
I like the derivation and discussion in Slater and Frank "Electromagnetism" Chapter XII better than in Jackson "Classical Electrodynamics"
- #4
FredGarvin
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Because if it were green, we wouldn't know where to stop mowing.
- #5
Danger
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FredGarvin said:
- #6
mgb_phys
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Cos raindrops keep falling from it's head...clarityx said:
- #7
LennoxLewis
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In short: the color we see is scattered light from the sun. However, the scattering process of air with light depends inversely with a fourth power on the wavelength, meaning that blue light (short wavelength) is way more likely to scatter than red light (long wavelength).
However, if a very long distance is travelled, longer wavelength photons will scatter as well, which you can see during a sunset. In case of a sunset, the sunlight "hoovers" over the surface of the Earth for a long distance until it reaches your eyes; draw the Earth as a circle and you will see why.
However, if a very long distance is travelled, longer wavelength photons will scatter as well, which you can see during a sunset. In case of a sunset, the sunlight "hoovers" over the surface of the Earth for a long distance until it reaches your eyes; draw the Earth as a circle and you will see why.
- #8
GetPhysical
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Not sure what youre asking. Do you mean "Why is the sky Blue?" I don't think the sky does blue. either way its what lennox said. The scattering of light. Thats all it is.
- #9
Phrak
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FredGarvin said:
When does the grass is stopped mowing?
- #10
zoobyshoe
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Think: why does the grass is mowed? The grass does is mowed to know when to stop.Phrak said:
- #11
cragar
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why is the sky blue ? Because god made it that way. is as good a reason as any .
the question should be how is the sky blue. basically what lennox said , it was explained to me this way its blue beacuse when the light hits the nitrogen molecules
it absorbs some of the light and blue is a higher energy wavelength therefore blue light is scattered. sunsets are red becsue the angle of refraction is different and the light is traveling further through the air there fore red light is scattered.
the question should be how is the sky blue. basically what lennox said , it was explained to me this way its blue beacuse when the light hits the nitrogen molecules
it absorbs some of the light and blue is a higher energy wavelength therefore blue light is scattered. sunsets are red becsue the angle of refraction is different and the light is traveling further through the air there fore red light is scattered.
- #12
HallsofIvy
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GetPhysical said:
Phrak said:
zoobyshoe said:
Oh, stop! Many of the posters on this board had to learn English as a second language. How would you like to have to phrase question in Holoholo?
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