Sonoluminescence-- why is this phenomenon so mysterious?

AI Thread Summary
Sonoluminescence remains a largely unexplained phenomenon within the scientific community, with many agreeing on its mysterious aspects. The process involves pressure waves in a fluid leading to bubble cavitation, where bubbles grow and then implode, creating high pressure and temperature. This implosion excites nearby electrons, resulting in photon emission as they return to their ground state. However, a complete quantitative description of the phenomenon is still lacking. The discussion highlights the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms behind sonoluminescence.
Ben Johnson
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I'm not sure which forum to post this under...

Anyhow all scientists I've talked to have agreed that sonoluminescence is not completely understood by the scientific community. I'm curious as to which parts of the phenomenon remain a mystery.

To me it seems like a reasonable process if you accept that pressure waves in a fluid can cause bubble cavitation. Bubbles grow to a critical size, then implode rapidly causing a region of high pressure and high temperature. This excites electrons near the bubble collapse zone, and when these electrons return to their ground state they emit photons. What am I missing here?
 
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Ben Johnson said:
What am I missing here?

A quantitative description.
 
I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
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