Direction of reflected/refracted light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanisms of light reflection and refraction, particularly focusing on the behavior of photons and electrons in atoms. Participants explore the reasons behind the directionality of reflected and refracted light, as well as the relationship between light wavelength and color perception. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical explanations of wave phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that reflection and refraction are due to the absorption of photons by electrons, leading to emission in different wavelengths and directions.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that a different wavelength is common, asserting that it is rare and questioning the understanding of color perception based on absorbed and emitted wavelengths.
  • Some participants propose that the direction of reflection and refraction can be better understood by considering light as a wave, similar to water waves, and that all atoms at the surface contribute to this process.
  • There is a claim that a red surface reflects or scatters red light while absorbing other wavelengths, and that shining blue light on it results in a dark appearance, contradicting the initial assertion about color emission.
  • One participant argues against the initial claim about photon absorption and emission, stating that reflection and refraction are wave phenomena resulting from coherent interactions among a large number of atoms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms of reflection and refraction, with no consensus reached on the nature of color perception or the role of photons and electrons in these processes. Multiple competing explanations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various models of light behavior, including particle and wave theories, without resolving the complexities or assumptions underlying these models.

theojohn4
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Reflection/refraction of light is due to the absorption of photons by electrons in the governing atoms, and is then reflected/refracted with a different wavelength and direction. I understand why the light might be a different colour (wavelength), but I don't understand what causes the incident ray to be reflected/refracted in the direction it does...

My question is: What is stopping the electron emitting the photons in a random direction?

I thought it might have something to do with the absorption of the wave over time with respect to the wavelength of the light, but then red and blue are both reflected in the same direction, so it can't be that.

Thanks
 
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theojohn4 said:
Reflection/refraction of light is due to the absorption of photons by electrons in the governing atoms
That is just one of many options.
and is then reflected/refracted with a different wavelength and direction.
A different wavelength is rare.
I understand why the light might be a different colour (wavelength)
Really?
but I don't understand what causes the incident ray to be reflected/refracted in the direction it does...
This is easier to understand if you consider light as wave, similar to water waves. All atoms of the surface are involved in reflection.
 
A different wavelength is rare? I was under the impression objects are the colour they are due to the wavelengths of light that can be absorbed/emitted. So a red surface will absorb all the light and then emit light in the red frequencies?
 
A red surface reflects or scatters the red component of the incoming light and absorbs others. If you shine blue light on it, it appears dark/black, not red.
 
theojohn4 said:
Reflection/refraction of light is due to the absorption of photons by electrons in the governing atoms, and is then reflected/refracted with a different wavelength and direction.
That is wrong. R and R are wave phenomena (even for one photon) caused by the coherent interaction of the wave with
~10^10 atoms.
 

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