Question

what causes different colors to appear in the sky?
the absorption of light by air molecules
the reflection of light by bodies of water
the greenhouse effect in earths atmosphere
the scattering and reflection of light by dust particles

Explanation:

• Absorption of light by air molecules: Air molecules mainly scatter light rather than absorb it to cause sky colors.
• Reflection of light by bodies of water: This is not the main cause for sky colors.
• Greenhouse effect in Earth’s atmosphere: It is related to heat - trapping, not sky colors.
• Scattering and reflection of light by dust particles: Light scatters off dust and other particles in the atmosphere. Shorter - wavelength light (like blue) scatters more, making the sky blue during the day. At sunrise/sunset, longer - wavelength light (like red) is more prominent as the light has to travel through more atmosphere, and the scattering and reflection of light by particles play a key role.

Answer:

the scattering and reflection of light by dust particles