The discussion revolves around the optical properties of water, specifically its color and the mechanisms by which light interacts with it. Participants are exploring the concept of color perception in relation to pure water and the wavelengths of light involved in this process.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their understanding and seeking further clarification. Some have acknowledged the role of reflection in color perception, while others are probing deeper into the specifics of light interaction with water and the implications for its perceived color.
There is a focus on the distinction between pure water and water with suspended particles, as well as the implications of transparency on color perception. Participants are navigating assumptions about colorlessness and the nature of light reflection in different contexts.
Water will reflect light at the surface and from suspended matter within the water. I would think that only a very small portion of the light that passes through the surface of a deep body of water that has no suspended solids will be reflected. So the cleaner and deeper the water, the darker it will look.Kolahal Bhattacharya said:I cannot understand what is the colour of water.I was reading an Optics book by Hecht,& suppose that we see coluured bodies due to Dissipative absorption.That is taking up of incident photon,converting a part into thermal energy,and releasing the rest energy as another photon.But, ordinarily we say water colourless.What wavelength is actually emittted?
The mechanism by which light incident upon a body of water will reach our eyes is reflection.Kolahal Bhattacharya said:Sir,I did not understand what you want to say.I think it will be helpful if you provide with the mechanism in which any (possible) wavelength reaches our eyes.
Thank you.
If water has no particles suspended in it, it is transparent: light passes through it. Light does not reflect off the water molecules. The light that reaches the eye from the water is either reflecting off the surfaces or bottom or sides of the container or it is passing through the water. It is not reflecting off the water molecules. The frequency of the light coming through the water to your eye is not materially affected by passing through pure water. So the frequency is whatever the frequency of the light source is. (Lower frequency em radiation such as microwave - radar is a different matter).Kolahal Bhattacharya said:Your logic is understood.Possibly, you have changed something:water will reflect 'light'...
Well,that's fine.But, when you take a glass of drinking water, just look at it, and what colour do you find?It's my question.
If you like, I wish to know the colour of stainless steel,or...
i.e. ordinarily which are said to be colourless.Reflection of course is the mechanism to make us see those objects...but I want to know the wavelength involved.
Please note this