Q120 / 120 · VITEEE 2007 · Physics

Rising and setting sun appears to be reddish because

  • A
    Diffraction sends red rays to earth at these times
  • Correct answer
    B
    Scattering due to dust particles and air molecules are responsible
  • C
    Refraction is responsible
  • D
    Polarization is responsible

Solution

Rising and setting sun appears red because light from the sun travels slightly more distance from the horizon, than when it is overhead. Hence blue light is scattered by dust in the atmosphere because scattering $\propto \frac{1}{\lambda_{4}}$ and $\lambda_{\mathrm{b}} < \lambda_{\mathrm{r}} .$ Red colour is less scattered and reaches us.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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