What phenomenon results from the suspension of small particles in the air, creating an opalescent appearance?

The phenomenon that results from the suspension of small particles in the air, creating an opalescent appearance, is haze. Haze occurs when a significant number of fine particles, such as dust, smoke, or other pollutants, are suspended in the atmosphere, scattering light and leading to reduced visibility. The scattering effect can often give the air a soft, diffused look, which contributes to the opalescent appearance.

Haze is distinct from other phenomena like fog, which is primarily composed of water droplets suspended in the air, leading to a significant reduction in visibility due to high humidity and moist air. Similarly, smog is a type of air pollution that combines fog with smoke or other pollutants, often seen in urban areas, but it generally has a more distinct coloration and does not primarily convey the opalescent quality associated with haze. Clouds, on the other hand, form from larger water droplets or ice crystals and can appear white or gray, depending on their thickness, but do not create the same scattering effect as haze.