Discover the Science Behind Light Disappearance | A Beginner's Guide"

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of light disappearance, exploring the reasons behind the loss of light energy and the nature of light itself. Participants delve into concepts related to the behavior of light, energy absorption, and the effects of collisions with matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why light cannot bounce indefinitely and suggests that energy must be lost through collisions with solid objects.
  • Another participant explains that light consists of packets of energy that do not disappear on their own but are absorbed by atoms during collisions, affecting how we perceive solid objects and colors.
  • A participant proposes that using mirrors, such as in fiber optics, could extend the duration of light by reducing energy loss.
  • There is a discussion about the form of energy that results from collisions, with one participant suggesting it is converted to heat, while another notes that heat can also lead to sound and light emissions.
  • One participant expresses a developing understanding of how different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation interact with molecules, causing various movements and energy transformations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and propose different ideas regarding the nature of light and energy loss, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of light and energy transformations are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of energy conversion processes.

Who May Find This Useful

Beginners in physics, individuals interested in the properties of light and energy, and those exploring foundational concepts in electromagnetism may find this discussion beneficial.

Keba
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I was wondering, why do light disappear?

I am new to physics. I do not understand why I cannot just turn my light on for a second, and the light will bounce back and forth for eternity. Some energy must be lost somehow, is that by colliding with solid objects or what? Also, what is light when it has lost its energy?
 
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Because of the form of light. Light, is just a stream of packets of energy. It doesn't disappear by itself but when it collides with atoms, the electrons absorb the light, and there are all sorts of effects, hence why you can even look at things and see them as solid, also why things have colours. So it would bounce back and forth for eternity assuming you could get perfect mirrors in a perfect vacuum. Energy loss, simple as that.
 
So by using mirrors, as in fiberoptics etc you can make the light last longer as it does not lose so much energy?
And what is the energy converted to under collision, heat or sound?
 
I would say heat. However, note that heat is the vibration of atoms, so technically this reradiates both sound (due to mechanical vibrations) and also light (think of a heated object glowing).
 
Okay ^^ I think I understand a little more now.
Thanks for the enlightenment guys =)
 
My understanding is sketchy, but different wavelengths of EM correspond to very different movements in the molecules - some wavelengths create wobbling/vibration, others translation, and high energy waves will rip electrons straight off.
 

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