2007-01-20 12:50:35 · 10 answers · asked by kim b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The blue color of the sky is caused by the scattering of sunlight off the molecules of the atmosphere. This scattering, called Rayleigh scattering, is more effective at short wavelengths (the blue end of the visible spectrum). Therefore the light scattered down to the earth at a large angle with respect to the direction of the sun's light is predominantly in the blue end of the spectrum.
The strong wavelength dependence of Rayleigh scattering enhances the short wavelengths. Intensity is INVERSLY proportional to fourth power of wavelength.
Note that the blue of the sky is more saturated when you look further from the sun. The almost white scattering near the sun can be attributed to MIE Scattering, which is not very wavelength dependent.
Clouds in contrast to the blue sky appear white to achromatic gray.The water droplets that make up the cloud are much larger than the molecules of the air and the scattering from them is almost independent of wavelength in the visible range
2007-01-20 15:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by rajeev_iit2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay after school and write "I'm looking for a scientific explanation as to why the sky is blue." 100 times on the blackboard in your best handwriting.
Then look at www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html.
2007-01-20 13:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by aviophage 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scientifically, it's because of the chemical composition of the atmosphere which absorbs most other colors.
See:
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html
2007-01-20 12:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If memory serves correct, it's the speed of the
lone electron that circles the hydrogen atom.
2007-01-20 13:01:03 · answer #4 · answered by kyle.keyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn to write english
2007-01-20 14:19:11 · answer #5 · answered by David W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is Rayleigh scattering. Like it was the last 1000 times this question was asked in the last week.
2007-01-20 12:56:19 · answer #6 · answered by eri 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Right now it's night time. The sky is black.
2007-01-20 12:58:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You would think if anyone knew this answer, it would be me.
2007-01-20 13:51:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but I don't speak ebonics. Please reask the question in English so we can understand it. Thanks.
2007-01-20 13:00:59 · answer #9 · answered by crackerdemocrat98 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html
that should explain it all.
2007-01-20 12:54:52 · answer #10 · answered by scromlette213 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋