Question

Rising and setting sun appears to be reddish because

• A. Diffraction sends red rays to earth at these times
• B. Scattering due to dust particles and air molecules are responsible
• C. Refraction is responsible
• D. Polarization is responsible

Hint:

The red appearance of the sun during sunrise and sunset is due to the scattering of shorter wavelengths by the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Rayleigh scattering.
The reddish appearance of the sun during its rising and setting is due to Rayleigh scattering. As the sunlight passes through a larger path of the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue) scatter more, leaving the longer wavelengths (red) to dominate.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Scattering due to dust particles and air molecules are responsible}} \]