Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Refraction
Reflection
Diffraction
Rayleigh scattering
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Step 1: Understand what polarization of light means. Polarization is when light waves vibrate in a specific direction.
Step 2: Learn about scattering. Scattering happens when light hits small particles and changes direction.
Step 3: Identify Rayleigh scattering. This is a type of scattering that occurs when light interacts with tiny particles in the atmosphere.
Step 4: Recognize that Rayleigh scattering affects different colors of light differently. Shorter wavelengths (like blue light) scatter more than longer wavelengths (like red light).
Step 5: Connect the dots. Because shorter wavelengths scatter more, the light that reaches us from the sky is polarized, especially when the sun is at certain angles.
