With reference to the scattering of light in the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by very small-suspended particles in the troposphere. 2. It is responsible for the blue colour of the rising and setting sun. 3. It scatters the visible spectrum both to space and towards the earth's surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Scattering is the process by which small particles and gas molecules in the atmosphere diffuse and redirect solar radiation. This interaction depends on the size of the particles relative to the wavelength of the light and the distance the light travels through the atmosphere. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Scattering is primarily caused by the interaction of sunlight with gas molecules, dust particles, water droplets, and other suspended particulate matter present in the atmosphere, particularly in the troposphere. These particles obstruct and redirect the path of light waves. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The scattering of light is responsible for the red or orange colour of the rising and setting sun, not blue. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels a longer path through the atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered away from the line of sight, leaving the longer wavelengths (red and orange) to reach the observer. The blue colour of the sky is caused by scattering during the day. - Statement 3 is Correct: Scattering redirects solar radiation in all directions. A portion of this scattered light is directed back into space, while the remainder is directed towards the Earth's surface as diffuse daylight (skylight). This diffusion ensures that shadows are not pitch black and that light reaches areas not directly in the path of the sun. Key Takeaway Scattering redirects light in multiple directions; it causes the blue sky (scattering of short wavelengths) and the red sunrise/sunset (removal of short wavelengths over a long path), while providing diffuse illumination to the Earth's surface.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

mcqmedium

With reference to the scattering of light in the atmosphere, consider the following statements:

It is caused by very small-suspended particles in the troposphere.
It is responsible for the blue colour of the rising and setting sun.
It scatters the visible spectrum both to space and towards the earth's surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Scattering is the process by which small particles and gas molecules in the atmosphere diffuse and redirect solar radiation. This interaction depends on the size of the particles relative to the wavelength of the light and the distance the light travels through the atmosphere.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Scattering is primarily caused by the interaction of sunlight with gas molecules, dust particles, water droplets, and other suspended particulate matter present in the atmosphere, particularly in the troposphere. These particles obstruct and redirect the path of light waves.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The scattering of light is responsible for the red or orange colour of the rising and setting sun, not blue. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels a longer path through the atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered away from the line of sight, leaving the longer wavelengths (red and orange) to reach the observer. The blue colour of the sky is caused by scattering during the day.
Statement 3 is Correct: Scattering redirects solar radiation in all directions. A portion of this scattered light is directed back into space, while the remainder is directed towards the Earth's surface as diffuse daylight (skylight). This diffusion ensures that shadows are not pitch black and that light reaches areas not directly in the path of the sun.

Key Takeaway

Scattering redirects light in multiple directions; it causes the blue sky (scattering of short wavelengths) and the red sunrise/sunset (removal of short wavelengths over a long path), while providing diffuse illumination to the Earth's surface.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

Which of the following best explains why the annual insolation received on 3rd January is slightly more than on 4th July?

easy

Consider the following data regarding the Heat Budget of the Earth: 1. 35 units are reflected back from the top of the clouds. 2. 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere. 3. 51 units are absorbed by the earth’s surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the heating of the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Conduction is the process where heat is transferred through horizontal movement of air. 2. Convection is the process of vertical heating of the atmosphere. 3. Advection has no role in the diurnal variation of daily weather in middle latitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the variability of insolation at the surface of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth receives slightly more annual insolation on 3rd January than on 4th July. 2. The variation in solar output due to the Earth's distance from the Sun has a drastic effect on daily weather changes. 3. The rotation of the Earth on its axis is one of the factors causing variations in insolation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the variations in insolation received at the surface of the Earth? 1. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays 2. The transparency of the atmosphere 3. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect 4. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun has no influence on insolation variations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Scattering is primarily caused by the interaction of sunlight with gas molecules, dust particles, water droplets, and other suspended particulate matter present in the atmosphere, particularly in the troposphere. These particles obstruct and redirect the path of light waves.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The scattering of light is responsible for the red or orange colour of the rising and setting sun, not blue. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels a longer path through the atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered away from the line of sight, leaving the longer wavelengths (red and orange) to reach the observer. The blue colour of the sky is caused by scattering during the day.
Statement 3 is Correct: Scattering redirects solar radiation in all directions. A portion of this scattered light is directed back into space, while the remainder is directed towards the Earth's surface as diffuse daylight (skylight). This diffusion ensures that shadows are not pitch black and that light reaches areas not directly in the path of the sun.