Absorbtion,reflection,and emission.

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concepts of emission and reflection of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the infrared and visible spectra. It also touches on the differences between emission and reflection, as well as the reasons why certain particles can be reflected instead of being completely absorbed and emitted.
  • #1
LogicalAcid
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I want to see if I understand these rules correctly. Us humans emit mainly in the infrared, that can be described by wiens law, but when visible radiation falls upon us, our body absorbs some part of the white light, but reflects whatever it doesn't. Smurf's for example reflect the blue part of visible radiation, while absorbing all other parts of the visible spectra.

And if emission is when an object emits electromagnetic radiation, isn't that the same as reflection? Or are they different? Is emission when it comes from the objects own thermal energy, and reflection when it comes from another object emitting it? And why is it that particles can be reflected, instead of completely absorbed and emitted?
 
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LogicalAcid said:
Is emission when it comes from the objects own thermal energy, and reflection when it comes from another object emitting it?
yes
And why is it that particles can be reflected, instead of completely absorbed and emitted?
by particles, do you mean photons?
Light of only certain frequencies can be absorbed by an object, such as the ones that cause electronics excitations, phononic (vibrational) excitations, ... These may later be emitted. The other frequencies just get reflected.
 

What is absorption?

Absorption is the process by which a material absorbs and retains energy or particles from a surrounding environment. In terms of light, it refers to the process by which a material absorbs and retains certain wavelengths of light, while reflecting or transmitting others.

What is reflection?

Reflection is the process by which light bounces off the surface of a material without being absorbed. This results in the image of the object being reflected, such as what we see in a mirror or a shiny surface.

What is emission?

Emission is the process by which an object releases energy in the form of light or heat. It can occur naturally, as in the case of the sun emitting light, or it can be artificially induced, such as in the case of a light bulb emitting light when electricity passes through it.

How are absorption, reflection, and emission related?

Absorption, reflection, and emission are all processes that involve the interaction of light with matter. When light strikes a material, it can either be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The specific outcome depends on the properties of the material, such as its color, texture, and chemical composition.

How are absorption, reflection, and emission important in daily life and in scientific research?

These processes are important in daily life as they determine the colors we see, the heat we feel, and the images we perceive. In scientific research, they are crucial for understanding the properties of materials and for developing new technologies, such as solar panels, which rely on the absorption and emission of light to generate electricity.

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