What process causes the sky (lower tropopause) to appear blue in colour?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which process makes the sky appear blue in the region near the lower tropopause. 
Option 1: Scattering. This is the correct mechanism. Rayleigh scattering by molecules in Earth's atmosphere preferentially scatters shorter (blue) wavelengths of sunlight in all directions, giving the sky its characteristic blue color during daylight. The scattered blue light comes from every part of the sky, which is why we perceive a blue dome overhead. 
Option 2: Reflection. Sky color is not primarily due to reflection off objects or surfaces; there is no large, uniform reflecting surface overhead causing the sky to appear blue. Reflection would typically require a distinct surface or object to reflect sunlight, which is not the case for the atmosphere itself. 
Option 3: Diffuse radiation. While the atmosphere emits and scatters light in many directions, the term diffuse radiation is not the explanatory mechanism for why the sky is blue. The color comes specifically from scattering of the incoming sunlight, not a separate diffuse emission process. 
Option 4: Absorption of blue wavelengths of visible light. If the atmosphere absorbed blue light strongly, the sky would appear the opposite color (more red/orange) due to missing blue wavelengths. In reality, the blue color arises because blue light is scattered out of the direct beam and into many directions, not because blue light is absorbed. The absorption story would not produce a blue sky.

What process causes the sky (lower tropopause) to appear blue in colour?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which of the following explains why the sky is blue?

Sunrises and sunsets are yellow/red in color because...

The sky is blue because

The sky is blue because

Why is the sky blue?

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler