Reflection Intensity: Iron vs. Hollow Black Box

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Intensity Reflection
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reflection intensity of monochromatic light when directed at two types of closed black boxes: one filled with iron and the other hollow. Participants explore how the material composition of the boxes may influence light absorption and reflection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the presence of iron in the box affects the absorption of light compared to a hollow box.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about how light interacts with the contents of closed boxes.
  • A different participant suggests that the color and material of the box's surface, rather than its contents, primarily determine light absorption and reflection.
  • It is noted that while a "perfect black" would absorb all light, such a material does not exist in reality, indicating that surface properties play a crucial role in reflection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the impact of the box's contents on light reflection, with differing views on the relevance of internal materials versus surface properties.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "perfect black" and the specific properties of the materials involved, which may affect the discussion's conclusions.

sid_galt
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If monochromatic light of the same amplitude is shown on a closed hollow black box and a closed black box filled with iron, will there be a difference in the intensity of light that is reflected back due to differences in the absorption of light in the two boxes?
 
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I'm not sure I follow. If the boxes are closed, how does light have access to what's inside ?
 
I think he is asking is would the fact that there is iron in one of the boxes, versus a hollow box, affect how the box absorbs the light that is being shown on the outside. If the box is black doesn't it absorb all the light anyway?
 
Last edited:
A "perfect black", by definition would absorb all light- but, of course, there no such thing in the real world. However, reflection of light is determined by the surface properties. What is "inside" the box has nothing to do with it.
 

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