Why Does Light Disappear When the Source is Turned Off?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Rose Garden
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    Light Property
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of light disappearing when a light source is turned off, comparing it to sound and exploring the nature of light emission. Participants delve into the implications of light's speed and the mechanisms behind light production.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that light travels at a much higher speed than sound, suggesting that this difference contributes to the perception of light disappearing instantly when the source is turned off.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity about the fundamental nature of light emission, questioning what causes light to be produced in the first place.
  • A participant highlights the complexity of the initial question, indicating that it may not have a straightforward answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and raise questions, but there is no consensus on the underlying mechanisms of light emission or the implications of light disappearing when the source is turned off.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific scientific principles or definitions related to light emission, leaving several assumptions and complexities unresolved.

Rose Garden
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A light source emits light in all directions, and the light travels at light speed, yet when we shut off this light source, all the light rays immediately disappear. I just thought about this and it just seems so strange. When we think of a sound source, we can shut off the sound source but the sound already emitted would keep traveling and echoing. But what about light, when the light source is turned off, what happens to the photons, how can the light already emitted just disappear?
 
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One difference between light and sound is the speed. Sound in air travels about 1000 ft./sec., while light goes around 186000 miles/sec. You can hear the sound echoes because of the time it takes to die off, while for light the die off is essentially instantaneous.
 
ok there's just so much I don't know: what makes light give off light?
 
wow That question is more than just a simple question! Nice!
 

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