why we can’t see air

Question

I understand the N2 O2 are very small molecules. But aren’t they all packed down on the earths surface? There’s no vacuum here so all of space on surface level should be filled with N2 C2O and O2

In: Physics

Answer 1

The different elements and compounds that make up air are translucent, i.e. they don’t reflect any parts of the visible light spectrum. Light is still subject to refraction and dispersion as it enters air though.