Do all wavelength of light make it through the atmosphere? Explain. please detail help and answer
It depends upon what you call "light". All visible wavelengths make it through the atmosphere with very little absorption, if the air is unpolluted. The wavelengths that do not make it through are in the infrared and ultraviolet.
If you restrict the definition of light to radiation of visible wavelengths, then the answer is "Yes".
Not all wavelengths of light make it through the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere acts as a filter that selectively absorbs or scatters certain wavelengths of light based on their characteristics and the composition of the atmosphere itself.
To understand this, we need to explore the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere and how they interact with light. The atmosphere consists of several layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. However, for simplicity, we will focus on the two main layers: the troposphere and the stratosphere.
In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, most of the weather phenomena occur. This layer contains water vapor, dust particles, and other pollutants. Water vapor, in particular, is a major absorber of infrared radiation, also known as heat. This absorption leads to the greenhouse effect, which helps to maintain Earth's temperature. However, it also means that a significant portion of the infrared light is absorbed in the troposphere and does not make it through to the ground.
As we move higher into the stratosphere, the composition of the atmosphere changes. This layer contains a particularly important gas called ozone (O3). Ozone is capable of absorbing a specific range of ultraviolet (UV) light called UV-B and UV-C. These wavelengths are harmful to living organisms, so the ozone layer acts as a shield protecting us from excessive exposure to them. However, some UV-A and a small portion of UV-B light still reaches the surface.
In summary, certain wavelengths of light, such as infrared and some ultraviolet, are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. However, visible light, including the range of colors that make up white light, is mostly transmitted through the atmosphere and reaches the surface. This is why we can see objects illuminated by sunlight during the day.