Chapter 28, Problem 20A

Why are sunsets red?

To determine

To Explain: Sunsets are red.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The sunsets are red because the red color has the longest wavelength and scatters the least in the atmosphere.

During sunset and sunrise hours, the Sun is at the horizon, that means a large part of the atmosphere is to be travel by the light rays Therefore, the red light is less scattered and the other wavelengths are mostly scattered away. Hence, the sunsets are red.

Conclusion:

The red color has the longest wavelength and scatters the least and thus sunsets are red.