Why some things are transparent while others not?

[Sandeep Chalia]

Why some things are transparent while others not?

 

[ZapperZ]

You may want to read these:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=27359&highlight=phonon+transparent+optical
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=38415&highlight=phonon+transparent+optical

Zz.

 

[sir-pinski]

There are a few factors that contribute to why some things are transparent while others are not. One of the main reasons is the molecular structure of the material. Transparent materials have a regular and uniform arrangement of molecules, allowing light to pass through without being scattered. On the other hand, non-transparent materials have a more complex and irregular molecular arrangement, causing light to be absorbed or scattered, making them appear opaque.

Another factor is the thickness of the material. Thinner materials tend to be more transparent because there are fewer molecules for light to interact with. As the thickness increases, more light is absorbed and scattered, reducing transparency.

The color of the material also plays a role in its transparency. Transparent materials tend to be colorless because they do not absorb any specific wavelengths of light. Colored materials, on the other hand, absorb certain wavelengths of light, making them appear opaque.

Additionally, the presence of impurities or defects in the material can affect its transparency. Impurities can disrupt the regular molecular structure, causing light to scatter and reducing transparency.

In conclusion, the transparency of a material is determined by its molecular structure, thickness, color, and the presence of impurities. These factors work together to determine whether a material will allow light to pass through or not.