Chapter

Spectrum
SYLLABUS

triangular prism to produce a visible spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic spectrum. Scattering
Using a
oflight.
syllabus : Deviation produced by a triangular prism; dependence on colour (wavelength) of light;
Scope of and in order of
di_persion spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum; broad classification (names only arrangedof infrared and
increasing wavelength); properties common to all electromagnetic radiations; properties and uses
ultraviolet radiations. Simple application of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the sky.

(A) DEVIATION, DISPERSION AND SPECTRUM

6.1 DEVIATION PRODUCED BY A angle between the emergent ray RS and the
TRIANGULAR PRISM direction PL of the incident ray PQ) is given as :
Fig. 6.1 shows the deviation produced by a ..(6.1)
triangular prism for a light ray. When a light ray
PO of a single colour enters a triangular prism The total angle of deviation 8, thus depends
ABC, it gets deviated, say, by an angle ß, towards upon the following three factors :
the base BC at the first surface AB of the prism (1) the angle of incidence (i) at the first surface,
and travels straight as QR inside the prism. The
angle of (2) the angle of the prismn (A), and
angle of deviation 8, depends on the
incidence and the refractive index of glass with (3) the refractive index of the material of the
prism (u). Since the refractive index depends
respect to air. On striking the second surface AC,
on the colour (or wavelength 2) of the light
the ray QR gets further deviated, say, by an angle so the angle of deviation depends also
used,
6, towards the base BC and travels straight as RS
on the colour (or wavelength ) of the incident
outside the prism. The angle of deviation ð,
depends on the angle of incidence at the second light.
surface (which depends on the angle of the prism In chapter 4, we have discussed for light of
A) and the refractive index of air with respect to single colour the dependence of angle of deviation
glass. For the emergent ray RS, the total deviation on the angle of incidence i, angle of prism A
Owith respect to the incident ray PQ (i.e., the and refractive index u of the material of prism.
Here we shall discuss in detail how the deviation
S produced by a prism depends on the colour (or
wavelength 2) of the incident light.

Liashoturce
Slit
| Incident
ray
TÑ2 Emergent Dependence of deviation on the colour (or
bariailog wavelength) of light
B S ray Light of different colours have the same speed
speeds in a medium other
Fig. 6.1 Deviation produced by a triangular prism1n air but different
143
than air. If the light cntering a prism is not of a In other words, colour is
the
single colour, i.e., it is amixture of several of light related to its wavelengt
colours, then the emcrgent beam too has different The table
colours arranged in a definite order. It is so and frequencybelow gives the
subjective pro ents
for light ofrange of
because the speed of light in a transparent present in the white light. Note
medium decreases with the decrease in the sharp boundary
between different that
dif erentthere
wavelength of light. Since, the refractive index of
glass (the material of prism) increases Wavelength and frequency of diferent colours.
colours white
in
with the decrease in the wavelength of light, Colour
Wavelength (.) range
therefore the deviation caused by a prism
also increases with the decrease in the wavelength Violet
(nearly)
4000 ¢ to 4460 Å
Frrange
equencyin 104(V= H
Indigo 4460 Å to 4640 ¢ 1-5 -673
of light*. In visible light, violet colour Blue 4640 to 5000 673 -641
(wavelength à 4000 ¢) is deviated the most Green 5000 to 5780 Å 647 - 601
and red colour (wavelength - 8000 ¢) is Yellow 5780 to 5920 601 - 5-19
deviated the least because in glass, the speed of Orange 5920 Åto 6200 Å 5-19 - S-01
violet light is the least and that of red light is the Red 6200 to 8000 Å 5-07 - 4-84
most. 4-84 - 315
6.2 COLOURS IN WHITE LIGHT WITH THEIR Note : (1) In the
above table the
WAVELENGTH AND FREQUENCY denotes the unit Angstrom where 1 A=letter
10-10,
RANGE (or 10-8 cm). Nowadays
mostly in nanometre (nm) wherewavelength expressed
is
The white light emitted from a source consists
of light of different wavelengths. The light of 1nm = 10- m = 10 Å g
different wavelengths produce the sensation of (2) In the spectrum of white
different colours on the retina of our eye, so we light, rd
colour has the longest wavelength 8000 À
perceive them as different colours. The prominent (or 8 x 10-'m or 800 nm) or
lowest
3-75 x1014 Hz and violet colour has thefrequency
colours in white light are violet, indigo, blue, shortest
green, yellow, orange and red. Different colours wavelength 4000 A (or 4 x 10m or 400 nm)
differ in their wavelength. In fact, wavelength is or highest frequency 7-5 x104 Hz. From the
the characteristic of colour, irrespective of its violet end to the red end of the spectrum, the
origin i.e., light of the same colour obtained from wavelength increases while the frequency
different sources will have the same wavelength. decreases.
6.3 DISPERSION OF
WHITE LIGHT
* From the definition of refractive index
THROUGH A PRISM AND FORMATION
Hglass
Speed of light in air
Speed of light in glass
loteieoF ASPECTRUM
The speed of light for different colours is the same in air, Sir Isaac Newton, while studying the image ol
but it is different for different colours in glass (medium), In a heavenly body formed due to refraction of
glass, the speed of violet light is minimum and the speed of white light by a lens, found that the image Is
red light is maximum. Therefore iolet> Hred
But = sin i / sin r or sin r= sin i u
coloured at its edges. He thought that the
coloured image is due to some defect of the lens
Therefore, in glass, for a given value of i, the angle of He
refraction r is minimum for the light of violet colour and
then repeated the experiment with a caetuly
polished lens, but the image was still coloured.
maximum for the light of red colour i.e., r,ed > Iviolet'
Newton then concluded that the fault is not wilul
Now angle of deviation × = i- r, so iolet > ed
the lens, but there is something in the nature
white light itself due to which the image
144
 olourd at its edges. To investigate it further, he Dispersion
pertomed another experiment with a prism.
Newton's Experiment The phenomenon of splitting of white light
by a prism into its constituent colours is
Newton allowed the white light from the Sun known as dispersion.
to enter a dark room through a small aperture in
window and placed a glass prism in the path Spectrum
of the light rays. The light emerging out of the
prism was received on a white screen. On the On passing white light through a prism, the
SCreen, a coloured patch like that of a rainbow as band of colours seen on a screen is called the
shown in Fig. 6.2 was obtained which was termed spectrum.
as spectrum.
Cause of dispersion of white light and
WHITE
SCREENI
formation of spectrum
R The cause of dispersion of white light is that
G
B
light of diferent wavelengths travel with different
speeds in a mediumn. When white light enters the
Aperture
\WLK
first surface of a prism, lights of different colours
w i n g
due to their diferent speeds in glass, get deviated
through diferent angles towards the base of the
in

Fig. 6.2 Dispersion by a prism prism i.e. the dispersion (or splitting) of white light
into its constituent colours takes place at the first
Starting from the side of the base of the surface of the prism. Violet colour is deviated the
prism, the order of colours in the spectrum on the most, while red colour is deviated the least.
SCreen 1S:
Therefore light of different colours present in
Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, white light follow different paths inside the glass
and Red. This order of colours in the spectrum prism and then strike the second surface of the
can easily be remembered by the word prism. On the second surface of the prism, only
VIBGYOR. refraction takes place (from glass to air) and
Conclusion : From the above experiment, different colours are deviated through different
Newton concluded that white light consists of atngles due to their different angles of incidence
seven prominent colours. Each colour corresponds this surface. Here again violet is deviated the
to a small range of wavelength. Thus, white light most and red the least. AS a result, the colours get
is a mixture of large number of wavelengths i.e., further separated on refraction at the second
it ispolychromatic in nature. surface. The light emnerging out of the prism, thus,
has different colours that spread out to form a
Note : In the spectrum, each colour is spectrum on the screen.
mixed with the other colour i.e., there is no
Note : (1) Dispersion of white light occurs
Sharp boundary line separating the colours. In only at the first surface of a prism.
the diagram, colours are shown widely (2) Deviation of light rays occurs at both
separated just for clarity. The total spread of the surfaces of a prism.
colours is much less than that shown in the
diagram. Different colours have different width (3) A prism does not produce colours, but
on the Screen. it only splits the various colours present in the
light incident on it.

145 G750

G200
 B)
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AND ITS BROAD CLASSIFICATION
64 ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM extreme is called the invisible
Classification : Til now we have limited spectrum*.
The waves of wavelength longer than the red
ourselves to the spectrum of white light which part of the visible spectrum in increasing order of
lies between the red and the violet regions. Our Wavelength are (i) infrared radiations,
eye is sensitive only to this range of wavelengths. (11) microwaves, and (ii1) radio waves, while the
This spectrum is the visible spectrum and it is waves of wavelength shorter than the violet part
only a very small part of the entire electro- Of the vis1ble spectrum in decreasing order of
Magnetic spectrum. Experiments show that the wavelength are : () ultraviolet rays, (iü) X-rays,
Spectrum of radiation from the sun is limited not and (1) gamma rays. These radiations together
Oy between the violet and red extremes, but it form the electromagnetic spectrum.
extends on either side beyond these
extremes to * The portion of electromagnetic waves other than the visible
dOur eyes do not respond. The part of part, do not excite our retina to produce the sensation of
"PInam beyond the red extreme and the violet VISIon. However, some electromagnetic waves can damage the
retina.

149
 Each wave travels
The complete electromagnetic spectrum in
3x 10 nm s! in with the
(or decrasing
inceasing onier of theirwaelengihsbelow: The speed vacuum (oorsame
air).
(c),
onder of theirfrquencies) is given Ultrviolet rays,
(3)
of clectromagneticfrequency ()
waves are relandated
(1)Gamma rays. (2) X-rays,Infrared radiations,
(4) Visible light, (5) Radio wvS.
c =f
(6) Microwaves, and (7) The complete
These clectromagnetic waves are
wavelengths and have ditferent
also share many prperties with the
of different
prperties.
light
They
shown in Fig. 6.10 with
increasing towards the right the
waves. increasing towards
the left side).side (or
electromagnetic swapecvireum
10 400 800 10
Wavelength in nm
10
ireae
V

I Ultra Infra red

Game Xfays Microwave
violet
B Radio waves

E
3 x 1019 3x 1016 3 x 1011
3 x 108

-Frequency in Hza
Fig. 6.10 Electromagnetic spectrum
Noe : (1) In Fig. 6.10, although we have shown a boundary line in between different was
but there is no sharp boundary of wavelength (or frequency) between two successive
electromagnetic waves, In fact, they overlap to a good extent.
2) The infrared spectrum is the part of spectrum just beyond the red end, while the ultaviok
spectum is the part of spectrum just before the violet end of the visible spectrum.
The tzble below shows the different waves of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of tkt
incTeasing wzvelengths alongwith their discoverer, source and method of detection.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Wzvelength in nm Discoverer Source Method of detection
Gamme 2ys besow 001 Becquerel In cosmic rays, from radioactive By their large penetrating power
& Curie substances.
Krays G01 -10
From a heavy metal target of high By the fluorescence produced
on azt
Roentgen photographicfilm
meling point when highly energetic sulphide screen. The
Utrassaiet electrons are stopped by it. gets affected.
0-400 activity on dyes.
Ritter
Sunlight, arc-lamp, spark By their chemícal
plates getaffected.
Photographic
It causes fluorescence,
Vesible ig its presn:
Newton can beseen in
Sunlight, light from electric bulb, Oherobjects
infrsed wv 81)- 1 lame, white hot bodies. more. The mercury
Hershell Lamp with thoriated filament, Heating effectisthemometer withradiatins
heated silicon carbide rod, rapidly when a keptiinthese
McTOZVes red hot bodies blackened bulb is
1-119 Hertz Oscillatoryelectricalcircuít
Electronic devices such as
Radis wves above 1U crystal oscillators and
TVreceivet
Marconí TV and radio
transmitters Aerials of radio

150
ApproximaterangeS
of wavelength and radiations of wavelength less than 0-1 Á(or
001 nm).
thequency rays-wavelength shorter than 0-1 Å Sources : They are obtained in radioaçtive
Gamma frequency above 10 Hz. erníssions, when the nuclei of radioactive atoms
() 0-01 nm) or
<
X-rays-wavelength
(or range 0-1 Åto 100 ¢ pass from the excited state to the ground state.
10 nm) or frequency They are also present in cosmic radiations,
2) 0-01 nm to H
to 3x
10!6 Properties : Like X-rays. they cause
x 10"
from 3 rays-wavelength range 100 ¢ o fluorescence when they strik the fluorescent
ltraviolet 10 nm to 400 nm) or materials such as Zic suiphide. They can casily
(3)
4000 ¢ (or
1 penetrate through thick metailic sheets (e.g.
>x 1014 Hz.
from 3 x 10l6 to 7-5
frequency
light-wavelength range 4000 ¢ to 30 cm thick iron sheet). Gamma radiations easily
and cause immense
(4)
Visible
400 nm to 800 nm) or pass through human body
8000 ¢ (or
frequency from
7-5 × 1014 to 3-75 x 1014 Hz. biological damage.
radiations-wavelength range 8000 Å Uses : They are used n acontrolled manner
Infrared cancer cells (ie.. radio
(5) 07 Å(or h 800 nm to Tmm) or frequency in medical science to kill
to 3 x 10 Hz. therapy) and in industry to check welting.
from 3-75 x 10
Microwaves-wavelength range 10 o1010 ¢ (2) X-rays
(6) 1m) or frequency from
(or = 1 mm to Hz. X-rays are obtained from a heasy metal target
3x 10!" to 3 x 108 ¢ OI D1gn melting point when híg'ty enerzetic
above 1010
() Radio waves-wavelengthbelow 3 x 10 Hz. electron beam (or cathode rays) are stopped by
(or > 1m) or frequency it. They have wavelength in the range of 0I A
Properties common to all electromagnetic to 100 ¢(or 0-01 nm to 10 n.
waves Properties : X-rays are chemically more
require any
} Electromagnetic waves do not active than ultraviolet radiations. They sirongly
material medium for their propagation. affect a photographic plate. Like gamma ays.
(2) They all travel with the same speed in they cause fluorescence in certain materials sueh
vacuum and air (the speed is 3 × 108 m s-1), as zinc sulphide, etc. They can penetrte through
and with different speeds in different medium. human flesh, but are stopped by the bones.
(3) They exhibit the properties of reflection Uses : They are used for the detection of
and refraction. In refraction, when an electro fracture in bones, teeth. etc. iLe., radiography).
magneticC wave passes from one medium to
in its direction of and for diagonistic puposes sch as CAT scan in
ue oner, there is change
speed and wavelength. but its medical science.X-rays are also used for studving
avel, atomic arrangement in crystals as well as in
frequency remains unchanged. molecules. X-rays are used by detective
complexX
eSe waves are not deflected byelectric and
magnetic fields. agencies to deteCt CODcealed precious metals.
(D) These wayes are
transverse in nature. (3) Uitraviolet radiations
6.5 PROPERTIES AND USES OF The electromagnetic radiaions of wavelength
DIFFERENT RADIATIONS OF from 100 Á to 4O00 A (or 10 am to 400 nm)
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM are called ultraviolet raiatioas. The ultraviolet
(1) Gamma rays part of the spectrum was first detected
by
These Prof. J. Riter in 1801.
are the most energetic electromagnetic
 Detection:() When silver-chlonide
solution (iv) They obey the
is exposed to electromagnetic
waves starting fronm refraction. laws of
the red to the violet cnd and
is obsenved that from the
then beyond i, it
violet end,
red to the
(v) They
plate asstrongly
they are affect a relphcoitomorgnra e
the solution remains almost
unafleted. But just
first turns
beyond the violet end, the solution brown (or
than visible light.
(vì) They produce ch emical y
violet and then finally it beomes dark radiations
black). It shows that there cist certain
part,
beyond the violet etreme of the visible visible
Harmful effect of
fluorescence On sinkiNp
zinc-sulphide screen.
ultravicauseolet
which are chemicallv mor acthe than the
light. These radiations are called ultraviolet skin
radiations (or actinc ravs).
cancer if
Ultraviolet radiations
a long period.
human body health rexposedadiatihotaonzasrts
is
e
(ii) Ulraoet radiations can be detected by Uses of ultraviolet hem
their chemical ativity on dyes and photographic
plates.
Ultraviolet radiations radiationsare
following purposes : used
(m) The ptrum of ultraviolet radiations is (a) For sterilising air,
for he
(b) For detecting the Surgical
obtained by passing the radiations through a
quartz prism in place of a glass prism because
glass ahsorts these radiations. ghee, etc.
purity of equipmgems,entS, cggs e

Soures of ultraviolet radiations : The electric (c) In producing vitamin Din food
and animals. of
arc and sparks give ultraviolet radiations. A plants
merUry vapour lamp emits radiations, a part of (4) Visible light
whica has ultraviolet radiations along with the The electromagnetic radiations of
visibie ight Sun is also asource of ultraviolet from 4000 Áto 8000 Åare wavelengh
raiations, but a large fracion of it is absorbed
radiations called visible
(or visible light) because
by the ozone layer present in the earth's upper presence of these in the
atmosphere* which protects us from its harmful seen by us. The radiations, other objects an
effects. Visible part of the spectrum wg
discovered by Newton while passing the sun
Properties of ultraviolet radiations light through a glass prism. The promine
() Ultraviolet radiations (can pass through colours of visible light are violet, indigo, bhe
quartz. but they are absorbed by glass. green, yellow, orange and [Link]
Therefore, to obtain the ultraviolet Sources : The Sun, electric bulb, flame and
spectrum from its sOurce, a quartz prism white hot bodies are the main sources of Visile
is used instead of a glass prism. For the light.
Same reason ultraviolet bulbs have an
Uses : The visible light is used in photography
envelope made of quartz instead of glass. in photosynthesis and to see the objects au
(iü) These radiations travel in a straight ine us.
with a speed of 3 x 10 m s in air (or
vacuum). (5) Infrared radiations of
Waves
(iüi) They are usually scattered by_ dust These are electromagnetic to 10 Å
¢
particles present in the earth's atmosphere. wavelength in the range of 8000 partofthe
(or 800 nm 1 mm). infrared
The by
Due to large pollution, thereis depletion of ozone layer which Spectrum wastofirst detected William Herslel
is dangerous for us because exposure to
is harmful to us. ultraviolet radiations in about 1800.
152
 (i) Ifathermorneter having its bulh (V) They are detected by their heating property
1: the violct end towards
moved from
Detection using a blackened bulb thermometer or a
is of visible light, it is
hlackened,
end of the
spectrum
very slow rise
thermopile.
in (vi) They are scattered less by the earth's
rd there is a
the that this thermometer is moved
observed
But when
in temperature
atmesphere because of their long waveiength
emperalure. rapid rise (since intensity of scattered radiation e I/
extreme, a
thered of the spectrum
beyond
[Link]
means that the part ). Hence. they are able to penetrate deep
extreme of the visible light, inside the atmosphere even in fog.
red
beyond the visible lo us, has certain radiations
is
(víi) The green house gases such as carbon
althoughnot heating effect. These
produce a strong dioxide, present in the earth's atmosphere
which are called infrared (or heat) radiations. absorb the low energy infrared radiations
radiations
thermopile can also be used to detect and keep the earth's surface warm.
A
(ii) radiations. The galvanometer connected Harmful effect of infrared radiations
the heat thermopile shows deflection when A high dose of infrared radiations may cause
withtheradiations fall on the thermopile. skin burns.
infraredra
The spectrum of infrared radiations is Uses of infrared radiations
(ii) using a rock-salt prism because a
obtained by (a) Infrared radiations are ised for therapeutic
rock-salt prism does not absorb infrared purposes by doctors.
prism absorbs them.
radiations, whereas a glass (b) They are used in photograpny at night and
radiations : All red hot
Sources of infrared also in mist and fog because they are not
heated iron ball, flame, fire, etc.
bodies such as a much scattered, so they can penetrate
are sources
infrared radiations. The Sun is the
of in
appreciably through it.
radiations.
natural source of infrared (c) Infrared lamps are used in dark rooms for
Properties of infrared radiations developing photographs as they provide
) They travel in straight lines like light, with
the some visibility without affecting the
same speed as light that is 3 x 10 ms n o photographic film.
in vacuum (or air). (d) They are used as signals during war as
(ii) They obey the laws of reflection and they are not visible and they are not
refraction. absorbed much in the medium.
If a source of heat (say, an infrared lamp) (e) They are used in remote control of
is placed at the focus of a parabolic mirror, television and other gadgets.
a parallel infrared beam is obtained.
(6) Micro waves
A burning glass (i.e., a convex lens) focuses in the
Microwaves have wavelength
the more energetic (i.e., short wavelength)
infrared radiations obtained from the Sun on range of 107 ¢ to 10!0 ¢(or I mm to I m)
a paper due to which the paper chars (or Or frequency in the range of 3 x 10 Hz to
burns). 3 x 108 Hz.
(ii) They do not affect the ordinary Source : These waves are produced by
Plotographic film. However. a specially electronic devices such as crystal oscillators.
treated photographic film is affected by Uses : They are used for satellite
them. communication, for analysis of atomic and
ney are absorbed by glass, but they pass molecular structure, for cooking in microwave
through rock-salt. ovens and in adar conmunication.

B 153
(7) Radio waves below 3 x 10* Hz. They
also show
These are the waves of longest wavelength properties
Uses :
of clectromagnetic
These waves are
waves.
used
all the
amongst all the clectromagnetic waves. They have
communication and also in radio mai nly
and in radar
wavelength above 1 m (or 101°) or frequcncy transmission.
6.6 DISTINCTION BETWEEN ULTRAVIOLET, VISIBLE AND INFRARED RADIATIONS
television
Ultraviolet radiations Visible radiations Infrared radiations
1. of
They have wavelength in the range [Link] have wavelength in the range of1. 8000
They ¢have wavelength
to 107 Å. in the ranger
100 ¢to 4000 ¢. 4000 to 8000 A.
2. They are invisible. 2. They arc visible. 2. They are invisible.
3. They produce a strong heating effect
3. They produce no heating effect. 3. They produce slight heating effect.
4. They affect photographic platc. 4. They affect photographic plate. 4. They do not affect photographic plate
5. They do not cause fluorescence.
5. They cause fluorcscence on zinc 5. They do not causc fluorescence.
sulphide screen.
6. They cause health hazards like 6. They do not affect the body. 6. They do not affect the body, but high
dose may cause skin burns. t
skin cancer.
7. They can pass through glass. They 7. They can pass through rock-salt, but
7. They can pass through quartz but they do not pass through glass. They
they do not pass through glass. are not absorbed by glass.
are absorbed by glass.
They are absorbed by glass.

EXERCISE-6(B)
 (C) SCATTERING OF LIGHT ANDITS APPLICATIONS
6.7 SCATTERING OF LIGHT change in its wavelength. The
When light from the Sun enters the earth's not the same for all wavelengthsscattering
of lighti
of incident lioh
eartnS The intensity of the scattered light is
atmosphere, it gets scattered (i.e., the light spreads found to b
in all directions) by the dust particles and air nversely proportional to the fourth power of hte
molecules present in the atmosphere. You see the Wavelength of light (i.e., I« 1/A). In the visible
path of the sun light entering a dark room spectrum, the wavelength of violet light is the leat
through a fine hole because of scattering of the (4000 A) and that of red light is the mot
un light by the dust (- 8000 A), therefore from the incident white ligh
particles
inside the room. The scatteringpresent in its path violet lioht is scattered the most
of light was first and red lign u
studied by the scientist Rayleigh. Scattered the least (violet light is scattered neani
16 times more than the red light). As a result, gd
(Scattering is the process of absorption and then from the Sun when reaches the earth's surface, D
re-emission of light energy by the dust particles less intensity of light of the violet end (such 3
and air molecules present in the
atmosphere.) blue, indigo and violet) and more intensity of iy
The air molecules of size smaller than tho of the red end (such as orange and red). Howewt
wavelength of the
of the incident lightincident light absorb the energy the air thanth:
molecules of size bigger lightã
and then re-emit it without any wavelength of the incident light, SCatter the
all wavelengths of white light to the same ete
156
 APPLICATIONS OF SCATTERING Sun is rich in
SONE red colour, while the light reaching
# ctètsof scattering of sunlight by the our cye from all other directions is the scattered
atmosphereare : () red colour of sun at bluc light. Therefore the sky in direction, other
sme
sunset, (2) white colour of sky at than the direction of sun, is seen blue. Further.
blue colour of sky. (4) black colour of for some time after sunsct and before sunrise.
absence of atmosphere, (5) white there is no sunlight reaching directly to us. Thus,
the and (6) use of red light for the at these hours the blue scatered light reaching
our eyes makes the entire sky to appear bluc.
colourof Sun at sunrise and sunset (4) Black colour of sky in absence of
)
Red
time of sunrise and sunset, light from
atmosphere
the If there
At hasto travel the longest distance of there
theSun wouldwould
be no have been no
scattering atmosphere,
of light and no
the observer. Since the blue
Atmosphere to reach scattered light would reach our eyes and thus the
short wavelength is scattered more, much
hghtof
lost, wBhile the red light of long sky will appear black (instead of blue).
of itis a Since there is no atmosphere on Moon, no
MZVelengthis scattered litle, so it is not much
Thus. blue light is almost absent in sunlight scattered sunlight reaches the Moon's surface.
kst. (white - blue Hence, to an observer on the surface of Moon, no
Rachingthe observer and only red light reaches the eyes of the observer except the
and
light reaches us. As a result, the Sun
=red)
nearby it, is seen red. Fig. 6.11 shows light reaching directly from the Sun. Thus, the sky
the region light. in direction other than th¡t of the Sun will appear
the scattering of blue black to an observer on the Moon's surface.
Scattered blue light
Observer Similarly, when an astronaut goes above the
Sun atmosphere of the earth in a rocket, he/she sees
Scattered blue light
the sky black, but to the astronaut, the earth
Earth
appears blue due to the blue colour of sunlight
Scattered by the earth's atmosphere, reaching him/
Earth's her. The stars and other heavenly bodies are seen
atmosphere
as usual, but without twinkling.
Fig. 6.11 Red colour of Sun at sunrise and sunset
(5) White colour of clouds
(2) White colour of sky at noon The clouds are nearer to the earth's surface and
At noon, the Sun is directly above our head. they contain dust particles and aggregates of water
so we get light rays directly from the Sun after molecules of size bigger than the wavelength of
tavelling the shortest distance, without much visible light. Therefore, the dust particles and tiny
scatering of any particular colour. Hence, the sky
iS seen white.
ice particles present in clouds scatter all colours of
incident white light from the Sun to the same
(3) Blue colour of sky extent and hence when the scattered light reaches
Light from the Sun has to travel a long our eyes, the clouds are seen white.
sance of the earth's atmosphere before reaching (6) Use of red light for the danger signal
5, As light travels through the atmosphere, it gets In visible light, the wavelength of red light is
Scattered in different directions by the air
longest, therefore the light of red colour is
molecules present in its path. The blue (or violet) scattered the least by the air molecules of the
light due to its short wavelength is scattered more
Scompared to the red light of atmosphere. Hence, the light of red colour as
long wavelength. compared to the light of other colours can
Thus, the light reaching our eye directly fromthe
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 enetrate to a konger distance without becoming signal may be visible from a far
distaofnceele C
weak. Thuk, red light can be scen from the fog, etc. Similarly remote control
also make uge
farthest distancee in comparison to the light of gadgets (like TV. etc) of
other colours having the same intensity. Hence, radiations. infraret
red light is uscd for danger signal so that the
EXERCISE-6(C)