Why Does Light Travel Through Glass But Not Opaque Objects?

In summary, the conversation discusses how and why light travels through glass into our eyes, as it does not in opaque objects. The faq post #4 on physicsforums.com explains that the collective behavior of electrons in a solid and the electric and magnetic constants of the material determine how much light will be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed. The person also mentions enjoying lectures on light by Richard Feynman and provides a link to them. They thank Cragar for sharing the link and apologize for not being able to find the previous thread.
  • #1
nickthrop101
95
0
Please can somebody explain to me how and why light travels through glass into our eyes, as it doesn't in opaque objects?
 
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  • #2
On the faq post # 4
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=104715
it talks about how the electrons form the collective behavior of the solid, And how certain materials can absorb and remit certain colors of light.
And how much light will get reflected transmitted or absorbed will depend on the electric and magnetic constants of the material.
[tex]
\epsilon
[/tex]
and [tex] \mu
[/tex]
 
  • #3
Hi Cragar,

Iin another thread I can't find it any more, you linked to some lectures on light by Richard Feynman

totally enjoyed the 3 lectures :) learned lots Have always enjoyed listening to him.
pity he passed on way too early.

just wanted to say thanks for the link :)

Dave
 
  • #4
ya no problem
 
  • #5
hey, what lectures, please can you send me the thread ;) thanks
 
  • #7
thanks Cragar

was looking back through previous topics and couldt find it hahaha

Dave
 

1. Why can light travel through glass?

Light can travel through glass because glass is a transparent material. This means that light is able to pass through without being absorbed or scattered. Unlike opaque materials, which absorb or reflect light, glass allows light to pass through it due to its molecular structure.

2. What makes glass transparent?

Glass is made up of molecules that have a regular, repeating structure. This structure allows light to pass through without being scattered. The molecules in glass are also very small, which means that light can easily pass through the spaces between them without being absorbed.

3. What causes opaque objects to block light?

Opaque objects block light because their molecules are arranged in a way that does not allow light to pass through. When light hits an opaque object, it is either absorbed or reflected by the molecules, which prevents it from passing through the object.

4. Can light pass through all types of glass?

No, not all types of glass are transparent. Some types of glass, such as frosted or tinted glass, have a different molecular structure that prevents light from passing through them. These types of glass are considered translucent, meaning they allow some light to pass through but not as much as transparent glass.

5. Is there anything that can make glass opaque?

Yes, there are materials that can be added to glass to make it opaque. For example, adding metal oxides to glass can create a colored or mirrored effect, making the glass opaque. This process is often used in the production of stained glass or tinted car windows.

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