Blue light and an opaque object

  • Thread starter Thread starter daNAV1GATOR
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

When blue light strikes an opaque object with a resonant frequency lower than that of blue light, the light is reflected by the plasma electrons in the object. The discussion highlights that the object does not absorb the light or become warmer, as the resonant frequency does not match. The consensus among participants is that the blue light is reflected rather than transmitted or absorbed. This conclusion is supported by the clarification from PF Admin Warren, emphasizing the behavior of light in relation to material properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light properties and frequencies
  • Knowledge of resonant frequency in materials
  • Familiarity with opaque materials and their interactions with light
  • Basic principles of electron behavior in metals
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of resonant frequency in different materials
  • Explore the behavior of light in opaque versus transparent materials
  • Learn about plasma electrons and their role in light reflection
  • Investigate the electromagnetic spectrum and its interaction with various substances
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the interaction between light and matter, particularly in the context of opaque materials.

daNAV1GATOR
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
I need help with a problem that was discussed here on PF also...

Snazzy, (or anybody! =) ] I need your thoughts again please!

QUESTION:
When blue light strikes an opaque object whose resonant frequency is lower than the frequency of blue light, what happens?
A- The amplitude of the vibrations of the electrons in the object become larger.
B- The object becomes warm
C- The blue light is absorbed without reemission
D- The blue light is reflected by the electrons in the object
E- The blue light is transmitted through the object

...This is a very tough one for me...

...'Security''s answer was B, The object becomes warm.

PF Admin Warren ('chroot') said, ""Becomes warm" means the same thing as "vibrates more rapidly." So this is not correct. If the light does not meet the material's "resonant frequency" (this is a bad way to describe this, by the way) then it will pass right through."
----He said "it will pass right through."

This guy on Yahoo! Answers said "Blue light should be reflected"
Another said "You see the blue light on it"


ARGH! I'M SO CONFUSED!



I am open to discuss this problem... if you don't want to give me your answer...
But it's pretty late here in the East Coast... so... well anyway, HELP! =)



 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the blue light is higher in frequency than the resonance frequency, and since the object is opague (presumably a metal), then the blue light will be reflected by the plasma electrons.
 

Similar threads

Blue light and resonant frequencies
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Do Sound Waves from a Tuning Fork Move Faster in Dry Air or Moist Air?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Help with two multiple choice questions related to light and interference
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Effect of light and sound to opaque object
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Glass Transparency: Visible Light vs. IR/UV
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School How does the light from a laser reflect off objects with same color?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K
Undergrad Radiative and Nonradiative Transitions
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Some questions about Cosmic Microwave Background radiation
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
High School If you raise the electron to other higher shell states, can it affect light transmission?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Magnetic field intensity questions
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K