Rayleigh Scattering Explained in Simple Words for Beginners

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Rayleigh scattering is the scattering of light or other electromagnetic radiation by small particles, typically much smaller than the wavelength of the radiation. It is named after Lord Rayleigh, who first described the phenomenon in the late 19th century. When light passes through a medium containing small particles, such as molecules or dust, it is scattered in all directions. The amount of scattering that occurs depends on the size of the particles and the wavelength of the light. Rayleigh scattering is most effective for shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet light, and less effective for longer wavelengths, such as red and orange light. This is why the sky typically appears blue during the daytime, as the shorter wavelengths of light are scattered in all directions by the tiny molecules of gases in the atmosphere. The longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, continue to travel in a straight line, reaching our eyes from a more direct path. References https://sparks.lear

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