Scattering of Light: Definition & Explanation

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lavster
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light Scattering
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of light scattering, defining it as the change in the path of light rays when they interact with a medium. It distinguishes between elastic and inelastic scattering, where inelastic scattering involves a change in energy between incoming and outgoing rays. The conversation also touches on the mechanisms behind electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emission, suggesting that energy transitions of electrons or nuclei may result in EMR. Key terms include elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, and electromagnetic radiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light behavior and properties
  • Familiarity with basic quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic radiation principles
  • Awareness of scattering phenomena in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of elastic and inelastic scattering
  • Study the Compton scattering effect in detail
  • Explore the relationship between electron energy levels and EMR emission
  • Learn about different types of scattering in various media
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying optics, quantum mechanics, or electromagnetic theory, will benefit from this discussion.

lavster
Messages
213
Reaction score
0
what does it mean by scattering of light? (or electrons etc?) does it mean light is absorbed, and then re-radiated.(by eciting electrons to higher energy levels which then produce light when it falls back ownto the ground state) or that its something more like compton scattering? or is it to do with it hitting electrons making it oscilliate, which then emits emr? I am a bit confused with this concept... thanks
 
Science news on Phys.org
Hi,
scattering means change of path (i.e. deviation) of rays when these rays interacts with sample/medium, etc. If their is a change in energy (between incoming and outgoing rays) then the process is inelastic. Other elastic. What emits emr?
for this question i am not sure but it may be the energy (energy of the electron/nucleus state) is emitted as emr.
 

Similar threads

Graduate On Rayleigh Scattering and UV Light Absorption
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Undergrad Are these explanations for color/light-absorption correct?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Energy Redistribution in Lorentz Oscillator Model with Pure Radiation Damping
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Thomson Scattering when low-intensity light meets an orbital electron
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding Scattered Radiation in Photon Beams
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Reflection and refraction: the same thing at the atomic level?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Graduate Understanding Light Scattering: The Role of Nitrogen Molecules
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
High School Using Compton Scattering to Determine Interaction Depth in Materials
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Condenser lens retrofit for a lighting application
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad Trying to Understand the 1928 article by Raman on Nature
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K