The different colors in a sunset are primarily caused by the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere. As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, it scatters in all directions, and this scattering affects the color of the sky.
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MCQs
1. Which color of light is scattered the most, causing the sky to appear blue during the day?
A) Red
B) Orange
C) Blue
D) Green
Answer: C) Blue
Explanation: Blue light is scattered in all directions by the gases and particles in the Earth’s atmosphere more than other colors because it travels as shorter, smaller waves. This is why we see a blue sky most of the day.
2. What happens to the colors of a sunset when there are more particles in the air?
A) The sunset appears blander.
B) The colors do not change.
C) The sunset can appear more red or orange.
D) The sunset is delayed.
Answer: C) The sunset can appear more red or orange.
Explanation: When there are more particles in the air, they scatter the shorter wavelengths of light (blue and green) and allow more of the longer wavelengths (red and orange) to pass through, making the sunset appear more red or orange.
3. What phenomenon is responsible for the sky changing colors at sunset?
A) Reflection of water
B) Refraction of sunlight
C) Atmospheric pressure
D) Rayleigh scattering
Answer: D) Rayleigh scattering
Explanation: Rayleigh scattering is responsible for the sky changing colors at sunset. It refers to the scattering of light by particles much smaller than the wavelength of light, which is more effective at shorter wavelengths (the blue end of the visible spectrum).
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