In Rayleigh scattering do the frequencies scattered correspond to the discrete energy level transitions available to atmospheric particles?

Question

I have read that for Rayleigh scattering the photons are absorbed by the atmospheric particles then re-emitted (albeit very quickly) and the shorter wavelengths scatter better which is why the sky is blue. Am I right in saying that the sky is blue because the energy level transitions available in oxygen allow it to absorb and re-emit (scatter) the blue light from the sun? And that the reason why we don't get a violet sky, from the more abundant nitrogen in the atmosphere (nitrogen emission spectrum when mixed appears violet), is that there is simply less violet light in the sun's spectrum?

Answer 1

Rayleigh scattering is scattering. The photons are not absorbed and the scattering can take place at all wavelengths. The scattering is caused by both oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere and they have very similar Rayleigh scattering cross-sections.

The sky is not violet because there is little violet in the solar spectrum, which is what is being scattered, and the eye is not very sensitive to that violet light. See Why is the sky not purple?