Why does the sea appear blue in colour?

Team MCQ Buddy • 20.45K Points
Instructor III Physics

Q. Why does the sea appear blue in colour?

(A) Reflection of the sun light from water surface
(B) Interference of the sun light from water surface
(C) Scattering of the sunlight by water molecules
(D) Refraction of the sun light

Correct Answer - Option(C)
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Filed under category Physics

Explanation by: Team MCQ Buddy

When sunlight hits the surface of sea or ocean, some of the light gets reflected back, whereas, most of the longer wavelengths such as red, orange and yellow penetrate sea water and get absorbed by the water molecules. So only the shorter wavelengths of light which contain violet and blue colors are reflected back to reach our eyes. Hence the sea water appears blue.

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