Question

Which phenomenon of light makes the ocean appear blue ?

• A. grating
• B. refraction
• C. dispersion
• D. scattering

Answer 1

Answer:

D. scattering

• When sunlight enters the ocean, it encounters tiny particles such as water molecules and other substances. These particles scatter the light in all directions, but they scatter shorter (blue) wavelengths more than longer (red) wavelengths. This phenomenon is known as Rayleigh scattering, named after the British physicist Lord Rayleigh.

• As a result of this scattering, the blue light is distributed throughout the ocean, giving it a blue appearance. This is

• Scattering is the phenomenon of light that makes the ocean appear blue.

• Rayleigh scattering is the specific type of scattering responsible for this effect.