Air molecules selectively scatter visible light because
A) air molecules are smaller than the wavelength of visible light.
B) air molecules are much larger than the wavelength of visible light.
C) air molecules are the same size as the wavelength of visible light.
D) the electrons that orbit around the nucleus of atoms have a blue color.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Air molecules selectively scatter visible light because their size is smaller than the wavelength of visible light. This causes them to scatter shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, more effectively than longer wavelengths, such as red and orange. This is why the sky appears blue during the daytime, as the shorter blue wavelengths are scattered by air molecules in the atmosphere.

Air Molecules Selectively Scatter Visible Light Because