What determines transparentcy?

[Metallicbeing]

What determines if something is transparent versus being reflected or refracted? It's said that photons are absorbed and reemitted, but what determines the angle of re-emission? How does the photon know when to pass through, reflect, or refract?

The spherical nature of subatomic particles and atoms make it hard to imagine the mechanics that take place. Does a particle or atom know that it's part of something that's transparent, reflective, or refractive? And, if so, does it tell the photon what to do?

The question of opacity, I assume, is the degree that a photon's wave is out of phase with the material it interacts with. The more a photon's wave is out of phase, the more its energy is absorbs by the material, and the less energy there is available to reemit.

Anyway, it seems that some fairly complex interactions take place. I thought it would be an interesting thought experiment. Anyone want to take a whack at it? Please, no page referrals on angle formulas (macro effects). What are your thoughts about micro (maybe quantum) interactions? :uhh:

 

[ZapperZ]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=250862#post250862

You may also want to do a search on optical conductivity/reflectivity of materials, which covers a huge section of condensed matter physics.

Zz.

 

[sir-pinski]

Transparency is determined by the interaction between photons and the material they are passing through. When a photon encounters a material, it can either be absorbed, reflected, or refracted. The angle of re-emission is determined by the properties of the material, such as its density and composition, as well as the angle at which the photon initially enters the material. This process is governed by the laws of physics, specifically the principles of optics and electromagnetism.

The concept of a particle or atom "knowing" what it is part of is not accurate. These particles simply behave according to the laws of nature. It is not a conscious decision, but rather a result of the fundamental forces at play.

The degree of opacity, or the amount of a photon's energy that is absorbed, is determined by the phase difference between the photon's wave and the material it interacts with. This is known as the refractive index of the material.

Micro interactions, such as those at the quantum level, play a crucial role in determining transparency. The behavior of subatomic particles and atoms can have a significant impact on the overall properties of a material. However, these interactions are highly complex and still not fully understood.

In conclusion, transparency is determined by a combination of factors including the properties of the material and the angle at which the photon enters. It is not a conscious decision, but rather a result of the laws of physics at work. Further research and understanding of micro interactions can help us gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.