Yes, the wavelength of light can change during scattering. Scattering is the process by which light interacts with particles or objects in its path and changes its direction. This interaction can cause a change in the wavelength of the scattered light.
There are different types of scattering, such as Rayleigh scattering, Mie scattering, and Raman scattering, and each type can lead to different changes in the wavelength of the scattered light.
In Rayleigh scattering, which occurs when the size of the scattering particles is much smaller than the wavelength of light, the scattered light is primarily responsible for the blue color of the sky. In this type of scattering, the wavelength of the scattered light is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength of the incident light. This means that shorter wavelengths, such as blue light, are scattered more strongly than longer wavelengths, such as red light. As a result, the scattered light appears bluer than the incident light.
In Mie scattering, which occurs when the size of the scattering particles is comparable to or larger than the wavelength of light, the scattering is less dependent on the wavelength of light. The scattered light can retain its original wavelength or exhibit only slight changes in wavelength.
In Raman scattering, the scattered light undergoes a change in frequency and therefore a change in wavelength. This type of scattering occurs due to the interaction of light with the vibrational or rotational energy levels of molecules or crystals. The scattered light can have either higher or lower energy (and thus different wavelengths) compared to the incident light, depending on the specific energy transitions involved.
Overall, the change in wavelength during scattering depends on the type of scattering and the properties of the scattering particles or objects.