Rayleigh scattering

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009957",
  "term": "Rayleigh scattering",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by particles that are much smaller in diameter than the wavelength of the incident light. This process does not change the frequency of the scattered radiation. The intensity of the scattered light is strongly dependent on wavelength, being inversely proportional to its fourth power, which explains why the sky appears blue.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and the Environment",
  "see_also": [
    "scattering",
    "wavelength"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2209 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/rayleigh-scattering/"
}