Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to

The diffusion of light in the atmosphere occurs due to the scattering of sunlight by various suspended particles. The Earth's atmosphere is a heterogeneous mixture containing dust particles, smoke, tiny water droplets, and gas molecules.

• When sunlight strikes these particles, it gets redirected in multiple directions, a process known as scattering or diffusion.
• Dust particles and hygroscopic nuclei are large enough to scatter light effectively, making the atmosphere appear bright even in areas not directly exposed to the sun (such as inside a room or during twilight).
• While gas molecules (like Nitrogen and Oxygen) cause Rayleigh scattering (responsible for the blue sky), the general diffusion of light that provides ambient illumination is primarily attributed to suspended particulate matter like dust.

Carbon dioxide and Helium are gases that do not contribute as significantly to the visible diffusion of light as solid or liquid aerosols do.