2007-12-27 06:39:15 · 2 answers · asked by Amethyst 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Rayleigh scattering usually refers to the scattering of light (or EM waves) by particles much smaller than the photon wavelength. Compton scattering refers to the scattering of photons by electrons or other particles resulting in loss of photon energy or increase in photon wavelength. Although Rayleigh scattering has been credited with why the sky is blue by scattering blue light, I don't really buy it because the blue photon will lose energy and increase wavelength which will change the blue to another color. Therefore I'm more inclined to say the sky is blue because of Compton scattering of UV radiation which produces blue light.
2007-12-31 06:11:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rayleigh scattering occurs without changes of wavelength (and often in much longer wavelengths than Compton)
Compton scattering exist only for very energetic X and gamma rays and occurs with an increase of the wavelength and a release of an electron from the atom
2007-12-27 14:45:43 · answer #2 · answered by maussy 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋