Why is it possible to see the iced tea in a clear glass pitcher?

Iced tea in a clear glass pitcher is visible due to the light-scattering properties of the liquid and the glass. When light strikes the pitcher, some of it is absorbed by the liquid, while the rest is transmitted. The transmitted light interacts with the molecules in the liquid, which scatter it in all directions. Some of the scattered light reaches our eyes, allowing us to see the liquid.

The ability of a liquid to scatter light depends on its refractive index, which is a measure of how much light is bent when it enters the liquid. The greater the refractive index, the more light is scattered. The refractive index of iced tea is greater than that of water, which is why it is more visible.

The glass pitcher also plays a role in making the liquid visible. The glass is typically smooth and transparent, allowing the light to pass through it with minimal distortion. If the glass were rough or opaque, it would scatter the light more and make it more difficult to see the liquid inside.

In summary, the combination of the light-scattering properties of the iced tea and the smooth, transparent glass of the pitcher allows us to see the liquid.