Question

We all know that when there is a clear sky, the western sky appears red as the sun sets. From the information presented in the passage, this phenomenon would seem to be explained by which of the following? I. Light meets more obstacles when passing parallel to the earth's surface than when traveling perpendicular. Consequently, even red light is diffused. II. The blue light may not make it through the denser pathway of the evening sky, leaving only the long light waves of red. III. The short red light waves have more energy and are the only waves that can make it through the thick atmosphere of the evening sky. (A) I only (B) II only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III

Short answer

(C) I and II only

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Phenomenon

When the sun sets, the western sky appears red due to the scattering of light. This occurs because the sunlight has to pass through more of the Earth's atmosphere when it is near the horizon.

Analyze Statement I

Statement I discusses light meeting obstacles while traveling parallel to the Earth's surface. It suggests that even red light is diffused. This aligns with the basic concept of light scattering, as upon traveling parallel (through a larger section of the atmosphere), light undergoes more scattering.

Analyze Statement II

Statement II proposes that blue light doesn't penetrate the denser evening sky, leaving only red light. Blue light, which has shorter wavelengths, is indeed scattered out more easily than red light, which explains why we see red hues during sunset.

Analyze Statement III

Statement III claims that red light waves are shorter and have more energy, allowing them to penetrate the evening sky. However, this is incorrect because red light waves are actually longer and have less energy compared to blue or ultraviolet light waves.

Evaluate the Options

With our understanding from the steps above: - Statement I is correct, as it matches the concept of increased scattering with more obstacles. - Statement II is correct because it explains the phenomenon of seeing red light. - Statement III is incorrect due to factual inaccuracy about red light having more energy. This implies that the correct answer must include statements I and II.

Key concepts

Light Scattering

Light scattering is a fascinating phenomenon that explains why the sky changes colors at different times of the day. When sunlight travels through the Earth's atmosphere, it interacts with air molecules and particles. This interaction causes the light to scatter. Here's how it works:

• Blue light has shorter wavelengths and is scattered more easily in various directions.
• Red light has longer wavelengths and travels more directly to our eyes during times when the sunlight's path is more slanted, like during sunrise or sunset.

As the sun sets, its light has to pass through more of the Earth's atmosphere compared to when it is overhead. The increased distance scatters blue and green light out of view, leaving primarily red and orange hues visible. This process not only gives us beautiful sunsets but is also essential for understanding more complex atmospheric phenomena.

Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric science provides insight into how weather, climate, and celestial phenomena affect our lives. A key aspect of this science is understanding the composition and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, which plays a critical role in light scattering. The atmosphere is made up of layers filled with gases and particles:

• The Troposphere, the lowest layer, where weather occurs and where sunlight first interacts with the atmosphere.
• In each layer, the density of air can affect how light waves travel and scatter.

Knowing how light behaves as it passes through these layers helps scientists predict weather patterns and study climate changes. It also aids in improving atmospheric models for better weather forecasting. By studying atmospheric science, we learn about important atmospheric phenomena, like why the sky appears blue during the day and red at sunset, which all ties back to how light interacts with the different components of the atmosphere.

Exam Preparation

Preparing for exams like the LSAT, especially for logical reasoning questions, involves several strategies. Understanding core principles like light scattering can give you an edge in tackling science-related passages. Effective exam preparation strategies include:

• Practicing with past papers to familiarize yourself with common themes and question styles.
• Regularly reviewing basic scientific concepts that often appear in context-based questions.
• Developing a methodical approach to breaking down complex passages and identifying key information.

By concentrating on both the content and context of questions, especially in logical reasoning sections, you can improve your critical reasoning skills. This preparation will not only help with science-based questions but also enhance your general analytical abilities, a crucial factor for success on exams like the LSAT.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential for tackling exercises like the one provided in logical reasoning assessments. It involves analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and forming reasoned conclusions. To enhance critical thinking:

• Regularly challenge assumptions by questioning stated facts or commonly held beliefs.
• Practice making inferences based on logical sequences rather than assumptions.
• Engage in discussions and debates on various topics, which can broaden your perspective and improve analytical skills.

In the context of the given exercise, critical thinking allows you to distinguish between correct and incorrect statements by analyzing the information provided. For instance, understanding that red light waves are actually longer, rather than shorter, is crucial when evaluating the options. Ultimately, strengthening your critical thinking will aid in better performance not just on exams, but in decision-making and problem-solving scenarios in everyday life as well.