Transmission, reflection, and absorbtion

In summary, transmission is when light passes through a material without being scattered, reflection is when light bounces off a material's surface, and absorption is when light is converted into other forms of energy. The properties of different materials, such as density and chemical composition, can affect the amount of light that is transmitted, reflected, and absorbed. It is possible for light to undergo all three processes simultaneously, with the amount of each depending on the material and the properties of the light. Understanding these processes is important in fields such as optics and solar energy, and scientists have developed methods to control and manipulate them for various purposes, such as data transfer in telecommunications.
  • #1
LogicalAcid
137
0
In order for us to see something, the light photon needs to be reflected, not absorbed or transmitted? Then is it that the same frequency of visible light keeps falling on something, an apple is always red in white light, why does it reflect red?
 
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  • #2
Actually, in order for us to see something, a photon has to be *absorbed*. By the retina.
 
  • #3
Andy Resnick said:
Actually, in order for us to see something, a photon has to be *absorbed*. By the retina.

in the atoms pov i mean
 

1. What is the difference between transmission, reflection, and absorption?

Transmission is the process in which light passes through a material without being scattered, while reflection is the process in which light bounces off a material's surface. Absorption is when light is absorbed by a material and converted into other forms of energy.

2. How do different materials affect the transmission, reflection, and absorption of light?

The properties of a material such as its density, chemical composition, and surface texture can affect how much light is transmitted, reflected, and absorbed. For example, transparent materials like glass allow light to pass through easily, while opaque materials like metal reflect or absorb most of the light.

3. Can light be transmitted, reflected, and absorbed at the same time?

Yes, light can be transmitted, reflected, and absorbed simultaneously. The amount of each process depends on the material and the properties of the light itself (e.g. wavelength, intensity).

4. Why is understanding transmission, reflection, and absorption important?

Understanding these processes is crucial in many fields of science and technology. For example, in optics, it helps us design materials for specific purposes, such as creating mirrors for reflecting light or lenses for transmitting light. It also plays a role in fields like solar energy, where the amount of light absorbed by solar panels determines their efficiency.

5. Can these processes be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, scientists have developed various methods to control and manipulate the transmission, reflection, and absorption of light. For example, using special coatings, materials can be made to reflect or absorb specific wavelengths of light while transmitting others. This has led to advancements in fields such as telecommunications, where controlling light transmission is essential for efficient data transfer.

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