Blue colour of sea water is due to

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: B. Scattering of sunlight by the water molecules

Explanation:

• The blue color of sea water is primarily due to Rayleigh scattering, where water molecules scatter the shorter wavelengths (blue light) of sunlight more effectively than longer wavelengths.

Information Booster:

• This scattering is similar to why the sky appears blue.

• The blue light is scattered in all directions, making the sea appear blue to our eyes.

Additional Information:

• A. Interference of sunlight reflected from the water surface

  • Causes colors in thin films, not the sea's blue color.

• C. Image of sky in water

  • Only contributes minimally; water would appear blue even without sky reflection.

• D. Refraction of sunlight

  • Bends light but does not cause the color.