Question

9 reflection and refraction why are most sunsets red - orange? a. the sky no longer absorbs blue light b. the sun only emits reddish - orange light c. red and orange light is scattered by the atmosphere

Explanation:

Sunlight is made of a spectrum of wavelengths. At sunset, sunlight travels through a much thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths (like blue light) are scattered far more strongly by air molecules and particles, removing them from the direct light reaching our eyes. Longer wavelengths (red and orange) are scattered much less, so they dominate the light we see, creating red-orange sunsets. Option A is incorrect because the sky still absorbs/scatters blue light; option B is wrong because the sun emits the full spectrum of light at all times.

Answer:

C. Red and orange light is scattered by the atmosphere