Microsoft Store
 

Rayleigh scattering


 

Rayleigh scattering (named after Lord Rayleigh) is the scattering of light by particles much smaller than the wavelength of the light. It occurs when light travels in transparent solids and liquids, but is most prominently seen in gases. Rayleigh scattering of sunlight from particles in the atmosphere is an early approximation of the reason for why the light from the sky is blue.

See also