Wave Nature of Light of Minerals

In summary: I am sorry, I am not familiar with any specific tutorials or resources. I would recommend finding someone who is more knowledgeable in the field to help you out.
  • #1
wiccabean21
8
0
I'm in my physics course right now and recently became interested in mineral deposits and my teacher told me to look into how geologists use the wave nature of light to find mineral deposists.. I am not sure if I am just really confused about the subject or if I just can't find anything
but can anyone help me with a general idea or show me where I can learn about this?!

please!
 
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  • #2
wiccabean21 said:
I'm in my physics course right now and recently became interested in mineral deposits and my teacher told me to look into how geologists use the wave nature of light to find mineral deposists.. I am not sure if I am just really confused about the subject or if I just can't find anything
but can anyone help me with a general idea or show me where I can learn about this?!

please!

perhaps something along the lines of beaming ELF waves (not VISIBLE spectrum of light but part of Electromagnetic radiation) into the Earth and watching for interference patterns(wave nature)?
Not sure I'll wait until someone more knowledgeable chimes in but I do recall reading something similar to what I just wrote...
 
  • #3
Inverse scattering methods. There are a couple of things that we can do and I know a number of my advisor's former students have gone to work doing this kind of thing for oil companies. What they can do is have a low frequency antenna that sends out a signal and have a series of probes in the ground or receiving antennas on the surface. A few basic things they can do is assume that the ground is layered in something like air->soil->rock->oil->rock. Using measurements they can estimate the depth of the oil layer but that is a very coarse estimate. A better thing to do is have a distribution of receiving antennas and send out a pulse into the ground and measure the scattered fields at the antennas. Then they can use inverse scattering methods to try and get a three-dimensional image of the soil and find areas of high contrast that will indicate oil (or some other target material).

Certain mineral deposits would be easier. Ferrites will have high conductivity and thus present a very strong contrast to lower conductive rock. Mainly we are looking for contrasts in the conductivity and permittivity of the medium. Just how efficient these methods are I cannot say but I have done some theoretical work for a project along similar lines.
 

1. What is the wave nature of light of minerals?

The wave nature of light of minerals refers to the way in which light behaves when it interacts with minerals. Light can behave as both a wave and a particle, and when it interacts with a mineral, it can exhibit properties such as diffraction, refraction, and interference.

2. How does the wave nature of light affect the color of minerals?

The wave nature of light plays a crucial role in determining the color of minerals. When light waves interact with the atoms and molecules of a mineral, they can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected determine the color we see.

3. What is the relationship between the wave nature of light and the crystal structure of minerals?

The crystal structure of minerals can greatly influence the behavior of light waves. The arrangement of atoms and molecules in a crystal lattice can cause light to diffract, bend, or polarize as it passes through the mineral. This is why some minerals have unique optical properties, such as double refraction.

4. How do scientists use the wave nature of light to identify minerals?

Scientists use a technique called spectroscopy to analyze the wave nature of light in minerals. By measuring the wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected by a mineral, they can determine its chemical composition and identify it. This is a non-destructive and highly accurate method of mineral identification.

5. Can the wave nature of light be manipulated in minerals for practical purposes?

Yes, the wave nature of light can be manipulated in minerals for various practical applications. For example, some minerals are used in optical devices such as lenses and prisms, while others are used in lasers and fiber optics. By understanding and controlling the wave nature of light in minerals, we can harness its properties for technological advancements.

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