- #1
ledamage
- 36
- 0
Hi there!
Everyone knows that the color of certain objects is due to their capability to absorb and to reflect light at certain wavelengths which has to do with the distance between the atomic or molecular energy levels. But I still have two stupid questions.
1. Consider ordinary objects like a table or a chair (but not glass). If it is hit by light at a wavelength where there is no resonant atomic or molecular transition, why does it scatter the light instead of letting it pass through?
2. What happens with the absorbed energy (stored in the excited atoms, molecules etc.)? Obviously, it is not re-emitted since otherwise everything was white...ledamage
Everyone knows that the color of certain objects is due to their capability to absorb and to reflect light at certain wavelengths which has to do with the distance between the atomic or molecular energy levels. But I still have two stupid questions.
1. Consider ordinary objects like a table or a chair (but not glass). If it is hit by light at a wavelength where there is no resonant atomic or molecular transition, why does it scatter the light instead of letting it pass through?
2. What happens with the absorbed energy (stored in the excited atoms, molecules etc.)? Obviously, it is not re-emitted since otherwise everything was white...ledamage