Why water looks transparent while spray looks white?

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SUMMARY

Water appears transparent due to its uniform surface, but when it interacts with surfaces like stones, it creates a spray that looks white. This phenomenon is attributed to diffuse reflection and refraction caused by the complex surface of the droplets. The white appearance of spray, such as at the bottom of a waterfall, results from numerous tiny droplets scattering light in various directions, contrasting with the clear appearance of a smooth water sheet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical phenomena such as reflection and refraction
  • Familiarity with light scattering principles
  • Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics
  • Concept of surface tension in liquids
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of diffuse reflection in optics
  • Explore the effects of light scattering in different mediums
  • Study fluid dynamics related to water interactions with solid surfaces
  • Investigate the role of surface tension in droplet formation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of light in fluids and the visual effects of water interactions.

espressogelato
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The water looks transparent, but when the water hit the stone, it looks as if it turns white? Why?
 
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More complex surface -> more diffuse reflection, refraction. Same with grinding transparent glass to white powder.
 
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What exactly is "spray" in this context?
 
All those optical effects mentioned above. A bit like the same reason why a pair of corrective glasses works for one person and not for somebody else.
 
rollete said:
All those optical effects mentioned above. A bit like the same reason why a pair of corrective glasses works for one person and not for somebody else.
I don't perceive this metaphor.
 
Drakkith said:
What exactly is "spray" in this context?
"the spray" here just like the drop created when the water hits the stone. For example, the bottom of the waterfall is white while the top is transparent.
 
espressogelato said:
"the spray" here just like the drop created when the water hits the stone. For example, the bottom of the waterfall is white while the top is transparent.

Ah okay. I think A.T.'s answer is right. The huge number of droplets reflects and scatters the light in all directions, resulting in a white color instead of a transparent "sheet".
 
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