Scattering of Light definition: Overview, Questions, Preparation

There are different sources of light; sources make it easier to determine the light. When light passes through any substance, that substance absorbs the particles of the light’s radiations in it. This process is known to scatter light. The intensity of the light depends on various factors such as the wavelength of the light and the size of the particles.

The scattering of the light depends on the size of the particles. The short wavelength and intersection of the line with the particles generate a high frequency scatter of the light. It also depends on the waviness of the line.

Formula

Let us assume p as the probability of scattering of light and λ is the wavelength, this could be written in the equation as:

P ⋉ 1/ λ4

It will change with the change in wavelengths of the radiation and the size of the particles. As seen in the formula, they are inversely proportional to each other. 

The Tyndall effect is a part of the scattering of light. It occurs when colloidal particles come in contact with the scattering of light. It is also used to determine the colloidal solution of the particle.

Some of the examples of the Tyndall effect are listed below:

1. In a dark room, we often see a beam of light coming through from the window, and the path of the light could be seen distinctly. The dust particles in the room also could be seen with the help of scattering of light.
2. Similarly, when a projector projects the light in the cinema hall or the wall, the pictures become visible to everyone.

We all must have heard the reason behind the sky’s colour in a word, i.e. Refraction. But what does it exactly mean?

The sky can be blue, but it could be seen as red in some places. How does this colour change? 

When the light hits the gas particles present in the air, the light scatters at different wavelengths. Wavelengths scatter the lights in different amounts in different directions. It all depends on the wavelength factor of the light.  It can be written as:

 = 1/ λ4

The same thing happens when we see the sky as red. The wavelengths shift and create a different angle for the scattering of the light it causes refraction. Low and high wavelengths change the sky’s colour from red to blue and blue to dark or light blue.

The chapter 'Optics' holds a weightage of 7 marks in total. It comprises 2 questions, one objective type, and one short question of 2 and 5 marks simultaneously.

Example 1) write the different types of scattering.

Answer – The different types of scattering of the light are-

• Rayleigh Scatter
• Mie Scatter
• Non-selective Scatter

Example 2) State an example of scattering of light.

Answer – The scattering of light can be seen in the changes in the colour of clouds and sky.

Example 3) State one application of the Tyndall effect?

Answer – colloidal dispersion is an application of the Tyndall effect.

Q: What do you mean by the Tyndall effect?

Q: What is the formula of scattering of light?

Q: Why scattering occurs?

Q: What is the basic difference between scattering and refraction?

Q: What is the symbol of wavelength?