Department of Pre-University Education, KarnatakaPUC Karnataka Science Class 12

The Sun is Less Bright at Morning and Evening as Compared to at Noon Although Its Distance from the Observer is Almost the Same Why? - Physics

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Short Note

The sun is less bright at morning and evening as compared to at noon although its distance from the observer is almost the same Why?

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Solution

During noon, the Sun's rays fall directly on the Earth's surface. The Sun being a yellow star, its rays also appear yellow at noon. Since yellow light has a high relative luminosity, it produces a high sensation of visibility in our eyes, thereby making the Sun appear brighter.

However, in the morning and evening, due to the slanting rays of the Sun on the Earth's surface, the smaller and middle range wavelength of the rays get scattered in the upper atmosphere. Thus, the sun appears orange during these two times. Since red/orange light has a low relative luminosity, it produces a low sensation of visibility in our eyes, thereby making the Sun appear less brighter.

Concept: Light Process and Photometry
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APPEARS IN

HC Verma Class 11, Class 12 Concepts of Physics Vol. 1
Chapter 22 Photometry
Short Answers | Q 5 | Page 453
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