Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 27 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 516: 21

Answer

The blue end of the visible spectrum is scattered most by oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere.

Work Step by Step

The natural frequencies of the small particles is higher than that of visible light. Blue/violet light is closer to those frequencies than red light is, so it will be scattered more. Our eyes are not very sensitive to violet light, so the sky appears blue. This is discussed on page 512.
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