Light (wave and particle theory)

In summary, wind does not have an effect on the direction and motion of light according to both wave theory and particle theory. However, depending on the definition of "particle theory", the motion of the atoms or molecules in the wind could potentially impact the path of the light. The absorber of the light would emit a new photon in a random direction, regardless of the presence of wind. A Doppler shift, which is a change in the wavelength of light due to motion, may occur in the emitted light. However, in normal circumstances, the random motion of gas molecules in the wind negates any significant impact on the light's path.
  • #1
timjones007
10
0
How does a gust of wind affect the direction and motion of light according to wave theory and the particle theory?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No effect in either theory, but it might depend on what you mean by "particle theory".
Wind does not affect photons.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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:
  • #5
what is a doppler shift?
 
  • #7
What is a Doppler shift?

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/doppler.htm" [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

What is light?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is composed of particles called photons, which have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

What is the wave theory of light?

The wave theory of light, also known as the classical theory, states that light travels as a wave through space. This theory explains many properties of light, such as refraction and interference.

What is the particle theory of light?

The particle theory of light, also known as the quantum theory, states that light is composed of discrete particles called photons. This theory explains some properties of light, such as the photoelectric effect.

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in light?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional in light. This means that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and ν is the frequency.

What is the dual nature of light?

The dual nature of light refers to the fact that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior. This concept is known as wave-particle duality and is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
344
Replies
1
Views
561
Replies
3
Views
722
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
742
Replies
5
Views
777
Back
Top