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Sunlight Through Cloud Droplets

A cloud is made of countless tiny water droplets. Sunlight hits them and bounces off in every direction, so the cloud looks bright white.

In the picture

  1. The sunlight beam: a narrow stream of white light travelling toward the droplets
  2. A cloud droplet: a tiny clear ball of water
  3. Outgoing light: rays leaving a droplet in many directions

Examples

  • A shaft of sunlight in a dusty room glows where the dust floats in the air.
  • Sea spray above waves looks white even though water is clear.

Quiz: Sunlight Through Cloud Droplets (Age 11)

  1. What is a cloud droplet like by itself?

    • Clear and tiny
    • White and solid
    • Dark and heavy
  2. What happens to sunlight when it hits the droplets in a cloud?

    • It bounces off in many directions
    • It stops inside the droplet
    • It goes straight through without changing direction
  3. Why does a cloud look bright white?

    • Because the droplets absorb all the sunlight and glow
    • Because countless tiny droplets send sunlight out in all directions
    • Because clouds are made of white material

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Physics, Age 11