Rayleigh Scattering Simulation
Shorter wavelengths scatter more strongly in the atmosphere
What Is Rayleigh Scattering?
Rayleigh Scattering refers to shorter wavelengths scatter more strongly in the atmosphere in optics & light. This page visualizes the phenomenon with interactive controls so you can change parameters and observe how the model responds.
What To Observe
- Watch how the visual pattern or system response changes as you adjust the controls for Rayleigh Scattering.
- Relate each visual change to the core phenomenon shown here: shorter wavelengths scatter more strongly in the atmosphere.
- Use repeated runs with one parameter changed at a time to build intuition.
Related Simulations
Snell's Law (Refraction) Light bending at material boundaries Total Internal Reflection Critical angle and trapped rays at refractive boundaries Thin Lens Simulation Ray tracing and image formation with thin lenses Mirror Reflection (Concave/Convex) Curved-mirror ray diagrams and image properties Prism Light Dispersion White light split by wavelength-dependent refraction Brewster's Angle P-polarized reflection vanishes at a special incidence angle Fresnel Diffraction Near-field diffraction pattern from phase summation Chromatic Aberration Different wavelengths focus at different image distances Thin Film Interference Reflected color varies with film thickness and angle Optical Fiber Light Guide Guiding by total internal reflection in a core-cladding fiber Blackbody Radiation Planck's law & Wien's displacement
Try These Experiments
- Start with default settings, then change one slider at a time.
- Record what increases, decreases, or becomes unstable as parameters vary.
- Use screenshots or notes to compare patterns between runs.
Real-World Applications
- Optics & Light lessons and classroom demonstrations
- Self-study and concept reinforcement
- Interactive support for STEM presentations