Final answer:
Atmospheric aerosols consist of solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, like water droplets in clouds or solid particles in smoke, which can absorb light and affect visibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atmospheric aerosols are defined as solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. These small particles can include a variety of substances, such as water droplets found in fog and clouds, solid carbon particles from smoke, or even tiny particulate matter such as dust, dirt, and other pollutants.
Water vapor itself is usually invisible, but when it condenses into water droplets, it forms clouds which can be very efficient at absorbing light, leading to reduced visibility. Similarly, the absorption of light by solid particles in smog, dust storms, and smoke demonstrates the ability of these aerosols to impact our environment.
Understanding these concepts is essential when studying atmospheric chemistry and environmental science.