scattering
Scattering is a physical process where particles or waves are deflected in different directions after interacting with other particles or obstacles. This phenomenon can occur with light, sound, or even particles like atoms and molecules. For example, when sunlight passes through the atmosphere, it scatters, causing the sky to appear blue due to the shorter wavelengths of light being scattered more than longer wavelengths.
In addition to light, scattering can also be observed in other contexts, such as in acoustics where sound waves bounce off surfaces, or in particle physics where subatomic particles change direction after colliding with other particles. Scattering plays a crucial role in various scientific fields, including meteorology and optics.