Light (wave and particle theory)

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    Light Particle Theory
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores how a gust of wind might influence the direction and motion of light, considering both wave theory and particle theory. Participants examine the implications of wind on light's behavior in terms of absorption and emission by air molecules.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that wind does not affect photons, suggesting that the impact may depend on the interpretation of "particle theory."
  • Another participant proposes that fast-moving air molecules could absorb light energy and then reemit it, potentially causing a deviation in the light's path.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that once a photon is absorbed by an atom, it ceases to exist, and any emitted photon will be in a random direction, independent of wind conditions.
  • One participant notes that the random motion of gas molecules is typically much greater than any collective wind effect, which may render the question moot.
  • There are inquiries about the Doppler shift, indicating a need for clarification on this concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of wind on light, with no consensus reached on the matter. Some argue that wind has no effect, while others suggest that it could under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined terms such as "particle theory" or clarified the conditions under which wind might affect light, leaving some assumptions unresolved.

timjones007
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How does a gust of wind affect the direction and motion of light according to wave theory and the particle theory?
 
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No effect in either theory, but it might depend on what you mean by "particle theory".
Wind does not affect photons.
 
Well, it seems like the atoms of air that absorb the lights energy, photon or wave, could mess with the lights path. If the wind is very very fast then the atom that absorbs the energy could move from A, where the energy is absorbed, to B, where the energy is reemitted as light. So if the wind was fast enough there could be a noticeable deviation in the beam of lights path.
 
Once the atom or molecule absorbs a photon, the photon ceases to exist. If the absorber emits a new photon it will be in a random direction independent of the absorbed photon whether or not there is a wind blowing. The motion of the atom or molecule would impart a Doppler shift to the newly emitted light as viewed by a neutral observer which would be detected at a somewhat different wavelength than the absorbed light.

Under normal circumstances the velocities of gas molecules in random motion making up the gas are vastly greater than the speed of the "collective wind", rendering this question moot anyway.
 
Last edited:
what is a doppler shift?
 
What is a Doppler shift?

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/doppler.htm"
 
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