Question

why is the sky orange and red at sunrise and sunset?
gases absorb orange and red light.
blue wavelengths are absorbed by the atmosphere.
the thick atmosphere scatters all but longer wavelengths.
only short wavelengths are radiated from the sun in the morning and evening.

Explanation:

At sunrise and sunset, the Sun's light travels through a thicker layer of the atmosphere. Shorter - wavelength light (like blue) scatters more easily. Longer - wavelength light (orange and red) scatters less. The thick atmosphere scatters away most of the shorter wavelengths, leaving the longer wavelengths (orange and red) to dominate the sky's appearance.

• Option 1: Gases do not absorb orange and red light in this context. Absorption is not the main reason for the color change.
• Option 2: Blue wavelengths are scattered, not absorbed.
• Option 4: The Sun radiates a full spectrum of wavelengths throughout the day.

Answer:

The thick atmosphere scatters all but longer wavelengths.