Light & Radiation: The Curious Idiot

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of light as it travels through different mediums, specifically focusing on whether light experiences a similar "slowing down" effect when passing through fields of radiation or strong magnetic fields. The scope includes conceptual exploration and technical reasoning related to light propagation and electromagnetic interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that light "slows down" in air due to interactions with atoms, questioning if this effect occurs in radiation or magnetic fields.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial inquiry but requests links to public papers or experimental results to support the discussion.
  • It is suggested that the electric and magnetic forces in air contribute to the slowing of light, with uncertainty expressed about the effects of a constant magnetic field.
  • One participant reiterates the previous point about electric and magnetic forces affecting light and expresses a desire for a better explanation or relevant articles.
  • A suggestion is made to look up the concept of refractive index as a related topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the influence of electric and magnetic forces on light but express uncertainty regarding the effects of constant magnetic fields and the applicability of these concepts to radiation fields. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of specific references to experimental data and the need for clearer definitions of terms like "radiation fields" and "heavy magnetism." Additionally, the implications of the refractive index in this context are not fully explored.

qwerty1
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I know that light "slows down" when traveling through air (doesn't really slow down but travels further because it traverses 'around' the atoms) but does this effect appear when it travels through fields of radiation and or heavy magnetism? just curious... and I AM an idiot if you're wondering... lead paint chips are tasty... mmmmmm...
 
Science news on Phys.org
yes.
 
LostConjugate said:
yes.
could you be a good chap and maybe send a link to a public paper or the like that shows the results of experiments?

again i am not bright and can never find these things myself...
 
It is the electric and magnetic forces within air that cause light to slow down, so electric and magnetic fields could cause the same effect. Not sure if a constant magnetic field would. Someone here should have a better explanation, sorry can't think of a good article on the subject.
 
LostConjugate said:
It is the electric and magnetic forces within air that cause light to slow down, so electric and magnetic fields could cause the same effect. Not sure if a constant magnetic field would. Someone here should have a better explanation, sorry can't think of a good article on the subject.

no worries... i appreciate the reply!
 
look up refractive index
 

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