Can You See a Dense Patch of Gas?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the visibility of gases and the conditions under which they can be perceived. It establishes that while most gases, such as hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, and argon, are colorless, certain gases like ozone can exhibit color. The phenomenon of Rayleigh scattering is highlighted as a key factor in the blue appearance of the atmosphere, which is not solely due to the gases themselves but also to the scattering of light by particles in the air. The conversation concludes that gases can be seen when they are electrically excited, as in the case of neon and argon, but in their normal state, they remain invisible to the naked eye.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas laws and states of matter
  • Familiarity with Rayleigh scattering and its effects on light
  • Knowledge of electronic transitions in molecules
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to phase changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of Rayleigh scattering on atmospheric color
  • Study the electronic transitions in gases and their relation to color visibility
  • Explore the properties of colored gases such as ozone and their applications
  • Investigate the conditions under which gases can be visually detected in laboratory settings
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, physicists, atmospheric scientists, and anyone interested in the optical properties of gases and their visibility under various conditions.

  • #31
Quote:
If you immerse a block of plastic in a oil bath with the same index of refraction it will vanish.


Well where does it go??

If you immerse a block of chicken wings in a hot oil bath with Oprah around it will vanish.
 
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  • #32
You call yourself a Canuk? That should be a Rita McNeil joke.

Sorry, Integral; I'll go slap myself now.
 
  • #33
That is hilarious, she was exactly who I was going to put but I figured no one would know what the hell I was talking about. Rita definitely takes the fat cake and eats it too, as well as everything else in the bakery.
 

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