Modeling Wave Scattering from Large and Small Objects

The extent of wave redirection or scattering from objects is dependent of the size of the scattering object.

Discussion

In this movie we use a rubber stopper and a thin metal rod as "particles" to qualitatively model Rayleigh scattering, scattering from objects whose dimensions are smaller than the wavelength. The diameter of the rubber stopper is many times that of the metal rod. Wave scattering from the larger object is greater than that from the smaller object. The extent of wave redirection or scattering from objects is dependent on the ratio r ⁶/λ⁴, where r is the radius of the scattering object and λ is the wavelength.

This is the same dependence on the size of the scattering object that is predicted for scattering of light from molecules and dust and smoke particles in the atmosphere.