Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Refraction
Reflection
Diffraction
Rayleigh scattering
Rayleigh scattering is responsible for the polarization of light, especially in the atmosphere, as shorter wavelengths scatter more than longer wavelengths.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: Which phenomenon explains the polarization of light by scattering?
Solution: Rayleigh scattering is responsible for the polarization of light, especially in the atmosphere, as shorter wavelengths scatter more than longer wavelengths.
Steps: 5
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.
