Why Does Ocean Water Appear Blue While Drinking Water is Clear?

Discover why ocean water looks blue and drinking water remains clear in this informative Q&A.

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Ocean water appears blue because it absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum and reflects blue light. Drinking water, in small quantities, appears clear because it does not have enough volume to absorb significant light, thus it transmits light without scattering it noticeably. This clear appearance remains true for clean drinking water without impurities or dissolved substances.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why does ocean water look blue? Ocean water appears blue because it absorbs colors from the red part of the light spectrum and reflects blue light.
  2. What makes drinking water clear? Drinking water appears clear because, in small quantities, it does not absorb significant light and transmits it without noticeable scattering.
  3. Can impurities affect the color of drinking water? Yes, impurities or dissolved substances in drinking water can affect its clarity and may cause it to appear tinted or cloudy.
  4. Is the blue color of ocean water the same everywhere? No, the color of ocean water can vary based on factors like depth, presence of sediments, and algae, affecting how light is absorbed and reflected.