How come when h2o drops on my computer screen I see

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Nano-Passion
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer Screen
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of colors seen when water droplets fall on a computer screen, exploring the underlying reasons for this phenomenon through the lenses of classical optics and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the variety of colors observed is related to the principles of quantum mechanics and the interaction of light with water droplets.
  • Others argue that classical optics is sufficient to explain the phenomenon, emphasizing the screen's pixel structure and the effects of viewing angles.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how a screen composed of red-green-blue dots can produce a wide range of colors, questioning the explanation provided.
  • There is a suggestion to perform a geometrical optics exercise to understand the visual effects through a droplet, indicating a desire for a more fundamental understanding.
  • Historical context is provided regarding the evolution of computer monitor colors, with references to amber monitors and their popularity in the past.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views on whether classical optics or quantum mechanics provides a more satisfactory explanation for the observed colors.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on definitions of color and optics, as well as the potential for unresolved assumptions regarding the interaction of light with materials.

Nano-Passion
Messages
1,291
Reaction score
0
I hope this topic belongs here, after all this is about color and color is described through quantum mechanics.

How come when water molecules drop on my computer screen I see a variety of colors (kind of like a rainbow), and those colors change depending on the angle I am observing it \vartheta. The colors seems to repeat every couple degrees.
 
Science news on Phys.org
Nano-Passion said:
I hope this topic belongs here
Classical optics is pretty sufficient to give an answer :devil:

Your screen is composed of red-green-blue dots spaced by 0.1mm or so.
Now - an exercise in classical optics - compute how it looks if viewed through a droplet: transparent, but n>1, sphere of a diameter comparable to the pixel spacing?

And behave! Don't sneeze on your screen!

(I used to open cans with beer just by computer screen in old times, when all screen pixels were amber...)
 
Last edited:
xts said:
Classical optics is pretty sufficient to give an answer :devil:

Hence this thread has been moved to the classical physics forum.
 
xts said:
Classical optics is pretty sufficient to give an answer :devil:

Your screen is composed of red-green-blue dots spaced by 0.1mm or so.

My screen is composed of red-green-blue dots? I want a more fundamental answer than that.

And if they are composed of red-green-blue dots then how do I get all of these colors? Spaced by .1mm or so? Something seriously isn't making sense to me. :(
And behave! Don't sneeze on your screen!

lmao, actually I have this stupid persistent water damage on my roof from the neighbors above me :(.

(I used to open cans with beer just by computer screen in old times, when all screen pixels were amber...)

Amber? :confused:
 
Nano-Passion said:
My screen is composed of red-green-blue dots? I want a more fundamental answer than that.
And if they are composed of red-green-blue dots then how do I get all of these colors? Spaced by .1mm or so? Something seriously isn't making sense to me. :(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model

Take a simple (high-school level) exercise on geometrical optics: find what you see through helf-sphere (or full sphere) of glass or water if you look at the pattern of coloured dots.


Amber? :confused:
First computer monitors were green. In 1980's amber ones become popular - they were nicer to eyes if you had to work long time with them. Even as a student I liked comfort, so I managed to get one of the first amber VT-220 on my desk :-p
 
xts said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model

Take a simple (high-school level) exercise on geometrical optics: find what you see through helf-sphere (or full sphere) of glass or water if you look at the pattern of coloured dots.



First computer monitors were green. In 1980's amber ones become popular - they were nicer to eyes if you had to work long time with them. Even as a student I liked comfort, so I managed to get one of the first amber VT-220 on my desk :-p

Oh thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
Replies
29
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K