English

Why does the sky appear to be blue while the clouds appear white?

Advertisements
Advertisements

Question

Why does the sky appear to be blue while the clouds appear white?

Short Answer
Advertisements

Solution

  1. Blue colour of the sky is due to the scattering of sunlight by air molecules. According to Rayleigh’s law, I α `1/λ^4` So blue light (λmin) is scattered much more.
  2. Clouds have large particles like dust and water droplets which scatter light of all colours almost equally. Hence clouds generally appear white.
shaalaa.com
  Is there an error in this question or solution?
Chapter 7: Wave Optics - Intext Questions [Page 168]

APPEARS IN

Balbharati Physics [English] Standard 12 Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 7 Wave Optics
Intext Questions | Q 2. | Page 168
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×