How can we know why things turn darker when they wet?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding why materials appear darker when wet, specifically through experimental methods. Participants suggest conducting experiments by pouring water on various materials and analyzing the results through photography. A proposed explanation involves diffuse reflection and internal reflection of light at the water's surface, indicating that altering the water's depth or using liquids with different critical angles may affect brightness perception.

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  • Understanding of diffuse reflection and light behavior
  • Familiarity with basic experimental design and photography techniques
  • Knowledge of critical angles in optics
  • Experience with material properties and their interaction with water
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  • Research the principles of diffuse reflection in optics
  • Learn about critical angles and their effects on light transmission
  • Explore photography techniques for capturing light reflection and absorption
  • Conduct experiments with various liquids to compare their effects on material brightness
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Students, educators, and researchers in physics or materials science, as well as anyone interested in the optical properties of materials and their interaction with water.

princezephyr
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I have searched for the experiment (like how to do it) related to how we can know why things turn darker when they wet and found nothing. All I found is the conclusion and it's not what I'm searching for. If i just pour some water on a cloth and sum up the experiment it doesn't seem right... Anyone please kindly helps me?
 
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Do you look for an explanation, or for a way to conduct an experiment?
princezephyr said:
If i just pour some water on a cloth and sum up the experiment it doesn't seem right
Why not? Make photos to analyze them, test different materials (not all will show the same effect).
 
One paper proposes that diffuse reflection from the material is internally reflected off the surface of the water (so less is available to reach your eys). If that's the cause then perhaps increasing the depth of the water or using a liquid with a different critical angle would make a difference to the brightness?
 

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