If the frequency is doubled, Rayleigh scattering intensity increases by how many times?

Sharpen your skills for the Davies Publishing SPI Test with targeted flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and clarifications. Prepare thoroughly for success!

Multiple Choice

If the frequency is doubled, Rayleigh scattering intensity increases by how many times?

Explanation:
Rayleigh scattering scales with the fourth power of frequency (I ∝ f^4). So if the frequency doubles, the scattered intensity becomes (2f)^4 = 16f^4, i.e., 16 times as large. You can also see this by considering wavelength: doubling frequency halves the wavelength, and since I ∝ 1/λ^4, the intensity becomes (1/(λ/2)^4) = 16 times. Therefore the correct result is sixteen times.

Rayleigh scattering scales with the fourth power of frequency (I ∝ f^4). So if the frequency doubles, the scattered intensity becomes (2f)^4 = 16f^4, i.e., 16 times as large. You can also see this by considering wavelength: doubling frequency halves the wavelength, and since I ∝ 1/λ^4, the intensity becomes (1/(λ/2)^4) = 16 times. Therefore the correct result is sixteen times.

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