What is the primary reason for the blue color of the clear daytime sky?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Rayleigh scattering explains why the clear daytime sky appears blue, occurring when sunlight interacts with atmospheric gas molecules that are much smaller than the wavelength of light, scattering shorter blue wavelengths more intensely. Mie scattering involves larger aerosol particles like dust and water droplets, producing white or hazy skies. This differential scattering phenomenon is a fundamental concept in atmospheric optics.