Purpose of Concentrated Sulphuric Acid in Activity 11.3
In Activity 11.3 from NCERT Science, concentrated sulfuric acid is used to demonstrate the scattering of light, which helps explain the blue color of the sky and the reddish appearance of the Sun during sunrise and sunset.
Understanding Light Scattering
- Rayleigh Scattering: The activity illustrates Rayleigh scattering, where shorter wavelengths of light (blue) scatter more than longer wavelengths (red) when passing through the atmosphere.
- Demonstration Setup: In this experiment, concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a medium to replicate the effects of atmospheric conditions. When light passes through the sulfuric acid, it scatters similarly to how light scatters in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Role of Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
- Refractive Properties: Concentrated sulfuric acid has high refractive properties, making it an excellent medium to visualize scattering.
- Color Representation: The acid’s ability to scatter light allows students to observe how different wavelengths (colors) behave. This is crucial for understanding why the sky appears blue and the Sun appears red during certain times of the day.
Educational Significance
- Visual Learning: This hands-on activity provides a clear visual representation of complex concepts related to light and atmospheric science.
- Real-World Application: Understanding these principles helps students grasp the science behind everyday phenomena, enhancing their observational skills and scientific literacy.
In conclusion, concentrated sulfuric acid serves as an effective tool for visually demonstrating the principles of light scattering, which are fundamental to understanding atmospheric optics.

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