Multiple choice

The sun appears red at sunrise and sunset while it appears white at noon, because

  1. of refraction

  2. it is cooler at sunrise and sunset

  3. of diffraction

  4. of scattering of light due to dust particles and air molecules
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The sun appears red at sunrise and sunset due to Rayleigh scattering - shorter wavelengths (blue, violet) scatter away when sunlight travels through more atmosphere at these angles, leaving longer wavelengths (red, orange) to reach our eyes. At noon, when sunlight travels through less atmosphere, all wavelengths reach us more equally, making the sun appear white.

Keep practicing — related questions