Question

Define scattering of light and explain the Tyndall effect with an example.

Hint:

The {Tyndall effect} occurs only in {colloidal solutions} where particles are large enough to scatter light but small enough to remain suspended.

Answer 1

Concept: When light travels through a medium containing very small particles, it interacts with these particles and spreads in different directions. This process is known as scattering of light. It is responsible for many natural phenomena such as the blue color of the sky.
Step 1:Scattering of Light} Scattering of light is defined as the phenomenon in which light rays are deflected or spread in different directions when they strike small particles present in a medium such as dust, smoke, or tiny water droplets.
Step 2:Tyndall Effect} The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by colloidal particles present in a medium. Due to this effect, the path of light becomes visible when it passes through such a medium.
Step 3:Example} An example of the Tyndall effect is when a beam of sunlight enters a dusty room through a small window. The particles of dust scatter the light and make the path of the light beam visible.