Question

Which one of the following is a reason for assuming that sunlight is constituted of waves of many colors? (A) The mixture of waves that make up sunlight has to struggle through a variety of obstacles in the atmosphere. (B) When passing through water in the atmosphere, sunlight is sometimes broken down into an array of colors. (C) Many different wavelengths of light enter our eyes from all directions. (D) The mere fact that light waves can be scattered is a reason for assuming that sunlight is constituted of waves of different colors. (E) When passing through dust in the atmosphere, sunlight is sometimes broken down into an array of colors.

Short answer

Option B; sunlight breaks into colors passing through water.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks to identify which of the given options supports the idea that sunlight is made up of various colors, implying that it is constituted of different colored waves.

Analyzing Each Option

Evaluate how each option supports the reason that sunlight is composed of waves of different colors: - **Option A** suggests sunlight struggles through obstacles, but doesn't directly mention colors. - **Option B** states that sunlight can be broken down into an array of colors when passing through water, directly pointing to the presence of different colors. - **Option C** notes that light of various wavelengths enters our eyes, hinting at multiple colors but isn't as direct. - **Option D** mentions scattering of light but does not specify colors. - **Option E** is similar to B and mentions sunlight breaking down into colors when passing through dust.

Selecting the Best Option

Options B and E directly reference the process where sunlight separates into distinct colors, supporting the notion of it being made of many colors. B is more commonly linked with the phenomenon of seeing colors in natural settings (e.g., rainbows).

Conclusion

Option B is the most direct and recognized explanation for sunlight consisting of various colored waves, due to the common observation of rainbows—a result of sunlight refracting through water.

Key concepts

Light Wave Colors

Light is a fascinating form of energy that travels in waves. These waves can come in different colors, which are visible to us. Each color is a wave with a different frequency and wavelength. Visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes all types of electromagnetic radiation, like radio waves and X-rays.

Sunlight appears white but is actually made of waves of many different colors. When these waves are combined, they create the appearance of white light. Each color of light has its own distinct wavelength. Shorter wavelengths are seen as blues and purples, while longer wavelengths appear red and orange.

This property of light allows various phenomena, like rainbows, to exist. By understanding the colors in light waves, we can better appreciate how the world looks around us.

Refraction in Light

Refraction is a process where the direction of light changes as it passes from one medium to another. This happens because light travels at different speeds in different materials. When light enters a denser medium, it slows down and bends.

One of the most well-known examples of light refraction is a rainbow. When sunlight strikes water droplets in the atmosphere, the individual waves of light spread out due to refraction. This separates the light into an array of colors. Each color bends at a slightly different angle, creating the beautiful spectrum seen in a rainbow.

Understanding refraction allows us to explain not only natural phenomena like rainbows but also the behavior of light in devices like glasses and cameras. It shows us how light manipulation can enhance our view of the world.

Wavelengths and Color Perception

Our perception of color is closely linked to the wavelengths of light that reach our eyes. Light waves enter our eyes and are detected by special cells called cones, located in the retina. These cones are sensitive to different parts of the light spectrum.

Humans typically have three types of cones, each responding to different wavelength ranges—these correspond to blue, green, and red light. The varying response of these cones allows our brains to interpret a multitude of colors.

For instance, when light from a green object reaches our eyes, it predominantly stimulates the cones sensitive to green wavelengths. Our brain processes this information, letting us perceive the object as green. Thus, the way we see color is directly connected to the properties of light waves.

Atmospheric Light Effects

The atmosphere plays a crucial role in how we perceive light and colors. When sunlight travels through the Earth's atmosphere, various effects cause changes in its appearance. Two of the main phenomena affecting this are scattering and refraction.

Scattering occurs when tiny particles in the atmosphere disrupt the path of light waves, causing them to spread in different directions. This is why the sky appears blue during the day. The process is more effective for shorter wavelengths (blue) than longer ones (red).

Another effect is refraction, which as previously mentioned, can lead to the formation of rainbows. Furthermore, when sunlight passes through dust or water droplets in the air, it creates striking colors during sunsets and sunrises, where the light's longer path through the atmosphere enhances the reds and orange hues.

These atmospheric effects are integral to the diverse and beautiful ways we experience light and colors in our environment.