Question

Name the phenomenon of light responsible for Tyndall effect. Write an event where this phenomenon can be observed.

Answer 1

The earth's atmosphere is a diverse collection of small particles. These particles include smoke, small drops of water, suspended dust particles, and air molecules. When a light beam strikes such small particles, its path is visible. These particles broadly reflect light, which eventually reaches humans. The phenomenon of scattering of light by the colloidal particles gives rise to the Tyndall effect. This phenomenon occurs when a fine beam of sunlight enters a smoke-filled room through a small aperture. The particles become visible as a result of light scattering. Tyndall effect can also be observed when sunlight passes through the canopy of a dense forest. Tiny water droplets in the fog scatter light. The colour of scattered light is determined by the size of the scattering particles. Small particles scatter blue light, whereas bigger particles scatter light with longer wavelengths. If the scattering particles are large enough, the resulting light may seem white.