What is electric power, and how is it measured?
Electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or converted into other forms of energy. It is measured in watts (W).
What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?
In a series circuit, the components are connected end-to-end, and the current is the same through each component. In a parallel circuit, the components are connected across the same two points, and the voltage across each component is the same, but the current divides among the branches.
What is the SI unit of electric current?
The SI unit of electric current is the ampere (A).
Can scattering occur in liquids and solids?
Yes, scattering can occur in any medium where light interacts with particles or irregularities. For example, scattering occurs in colloidal suspensions (like milk in water), glass (if it contains impurities), and even in water bodies with suspended particles.
How does scattering affect visibility in the atmosphere?
Scattering can reduce visibility by causing light to be redirected in multiple directions. This is why fog, smog, or haze can make it difficult to see distant objects—light from these objects is scattered before reaching the observer.
What role does scattering play in fog lights?
Fog lights are typically yellow because longer wavelengths (like yellow light) scatter less than shorter wavelengths (like blue light). This allows yellow light to penetrate fog more effectively, improving visibility in foggy conditions.
Why does the Sun appear white at noon?
At noon, the Sun is overhead, and its light travels through a shorter path in the atmosphere. As a result, all wavelengths of light scatter less, and the Sun appears white because all colors of light are reaching the observer in nearly equal amounts.
Why is the sky not violet, even though violet light scatters more than blue light?
Although violet light scatters more than blue light, the sky does not appear violet because the human eye is less sensitive to violet light. Additionally, much of the violet light is absorbed by the upper atmosphere, making blue light more dominant.
How does atmospheric refraction affect astronomical observations?
Astronomers must account for atmospheric refraction when observing celestial bodies. The bending of light by the atmosphere causes objects to appear in slightly different positions than their true locations. This effect is especially significant for objects near the horizon.
What is a superior mirage?
A superior mirage occurs when the air near the surface is cooler than the air above it (the opposite of an inferior mirage). In this case, light rays bend downward, making distant objects appear elevated or floating in the sky. This phenomenon is commonly seen in polar regions.
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