The discussion revolves around the behavior of electromagnetic (EM) radiation as it interacts with different materials, specifically focusing on the factors that determine whether EM radiation can pass through various substances. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding the interaction of EM radiation with materials like concrete and metals.
Participants express differing views on the interaction of EM radiation with materials, with no consensus reached regarding the specific rules or principles that govern these interactions.
There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of clarity on the assumptions regarding material properties and the specific conditions under which EM radiation interacts with different substances.
live4physics said:Anybody knows if there is a rule for EM radiation cross over materials ?
The wavelength in comparison the size (or structure) of molecule is determinant ?
Ex. why infrared pass through the concrete but not metalics ?
Thank you.
ZapperZ said:You may want to read our FAQ in the General Physics forum first, especially on the post on photon going through a material. Most of these properties are governed by what we call the "phonon" modes of the material, i.e. the lattice vibration modes. For metal, there is an added complication from the presence of the conduction electrons that creates additional collective behavior called the "plasmons".
Zz.