What happens to projected light after the source stops

In summary, when a flashlight or laser is turned off, the light that was projected is absorbed by the surrounding objects. This means that the energy of the light is transferred to the atoms it comes in contact with, potentially causing them to emit light or heat. However, due to the high speed of light, it is difficult to determine if the light is actually absorbed before it reaches great distances.
  • #1
AMan24
58
2
Let's say a flashlight or a laser is turned on and there's light coming out of it. Once you turn the flashlight or laser off what exactly happens to the projected light? Obviously it won't be visible anymore, but where does it go?
 
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  • #2
Simply put, it's absorbed by the objects surrounding it.
 
  • #3
mrnike992 said:
Simply put, it's absorbed by the objects surrounding it.

Ok now I get it. Thanks
 
  • #4
The energy of the light is transferred to the atoms it comes in contact with, if it does... they then might pass on that energy in different ways. light, heat, etc.
 
  • #5
Perhaps the light gets absorbed, perhaps not. Remember, light travels at 300,000 km / sec, so who's to say the light sticks around to get absorbed? By the time you'd notice the beam is shut off, the last photons have almost reached the orbit of the moon. :wink: :eek:
 

1. What is the nature of light?

Light is an electromagnetic wave that has both particle-like and wave-like properties. It travels in a straight line at a constant speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.

2. What happens to light when it is projected from a source?

When light is projected from a source, it travels in a straight line until it encounters an obstacle or is absorbed by a material. It can also be reflected, refracted, or scattered depending on the surface it encounters.

3. Does light stop when the source stops?

No, light continues to travel at a constant speed even after the source stops emitting it. However, the intensity of the light decreases as it travels further away from the source, eventually becoming too weak to be detected.

4. What happens to light when it encounters an obstacle?

When light encounters an obstacle, it can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected, depending on the properties of the material. This is why we can see objects - the light is reflected off of them and into our eyes.

5. What happens to light when it is absorbed by a material?

When light is absorbed by a material, it is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. This is why we can feel warmth from the sun or a light bulb - the light energy is being converted into heat energy when it is absorbed by our skin.

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