Light -- how light particles can penetrate through glass?

AI Thread Summary
Light can penetrate glass due to the arrangement and energy levels of electrons within the material. Transparency is determined by the ability of electrons to absorb or scatter light; in transparent materials like glass, electrons are bound and lack accessible energy levels for absorption. In contrast, materials like aluminum do not allow light to pass through because their electrons can absorb light energy. The discussion clarifies that for light to be absorbed, the atomic structure must have specific characteristics. Overall, the interaction between light and electron energy levels is crucial for understanding transparency.
ajaykrishna90
how light particles can penetrate through glass?
 
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HallsofIvy said:
The "transparency" of glass is mostly a matter of how much open space there is.
No it is not. Lead glass has a higher density than aluminium, but the former is transparent while the latter is not.

To be not transparent, there has to be something that can absorb (or scatter) light - usually electrons that can reach a higher energy level. The electrons in transparent glasses are bound to their atoms/molecules and do not have accessible energy levels they could go to from the absorption of light.
 
thanks for the explanation.but whether it means electrons are absorbed? then whether light loses energy?
 
ajaykrishna90 said:
thanks for the explanation.but whether it means electrons are absorbed? then whether light loses energy?

If the atoms making up the material have the right characteristics, then the light will be absorbed by the electrons in the material.
 
right characteristics? anyway, thanks! got some idea now. :)
 
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