Objects Absorb & Reflect Light: How Does It Work?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter B4ssHunter
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Absorption Light
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Objects absorb and reflect light based on their interaction with specific wavelengths, which determines their perceived color. When a substance absorbs red light, it excites electrons to a higher energy level; however, the electron does not necessarily emit the same wavelength upon returning to its original state. Instead, various decay paths, influenced by branching factors and potential collisions, dictate the emitted wavelengths. Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, but not all absorbed photons are re-emitted at the same wavelength, leading to complex interactions between light and matter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly electron excitation and energy levels.
  • Familiarity with the concept of photon absorption and emission.
  • Knowledge of light reflection and refraction principles.
  • Basic grasp of molecular interactions and decay processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum mechanics and electron excitation in detail.
  • Explore the principles of photon absorption and emission in various materials.
  • Study light reflection and refraction, focusing on surface interactions.
  • Investigate molecular decay processes and their impact on light behavior.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, chemists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light-matter interactions and color perception.

B4ssHunter
Messages
178
Reaction score
4
if objects absorb certain wavelengths and reflect some * which give us its colour*
how does this actually happen ?
if a certain substance absorbs red colour because it equals the amount of energy * quanta * needed to excite its electron to the next energy level , then shouldn't the electron get back to its former energy level releasing the same colour it absorbed ? shouldn't this mean that objects that absorbs red colour emit red colour ? and also how does light reflect off something ? does it just bounce back ?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Not every photon absorbed will be re-emitted at the same wavelength. An excited molecule will take various decay paths with some probability, aka branching factors. Also, the excited molecule can be de-excited by collisions or other processes.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Are these explanations for color/light-absorption correct?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Spectrum of laser light absorbed and re-emitted by a white object
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad How does ultraviolet photography (fluorescence) work?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Does Colour Affect Light Absorption in Infrared Radiation?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Composition of Light: Questions & Answers
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
High School The Contrary Laws of Reflection
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Simple (?) question regarding reflection of light
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Why objects reflect light instead of absorbing or transmitti
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad The Law of Reflection and Lasers
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Graduate Classically, how can I explain Reflection?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K