Why water looks transparent while spray looks white?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the optical properties of water, specifically why water appears transparent in larger volumes but looks white when in the form of spray or droplets, such as at the base of a waterfall. The conversation explores the underlying physical principles, including reflection and refraction, and how these effects contribute to the observed differences in appearance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that water appears transparent, but when it hits a surface, it seems to turn white, prompting a question about the underlying reasons.
  • Another participant suggests that a more complex surface leads to more diffuse reflection and refraction, comparing it to grinding transparent glass into a white powder.
  • Several participants seek clarification on what is meant by "spray" in this context, with one defining it as the droplets created when water impacts a surface.
  • A participant draws a parallel between the optical effects discussed and the varying effectiveness of corrective glasses for different individuals, although this metaphor is not universally understood.
  • One participant agrees with a previous response, stating that the multitude of droplets scatters light in various directions, resulting in a white appearance rather than a transparent one.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and agreement regarding the optical effects at play. While some points are clarified, there is no consensus on the metaphorical comparison to corrective glasses, and the discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the precise mechanics of the observed phenomena.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, such as the lack of detailed definitions for terms like "spray" and the potential dependence on specific conditions for the optical effects described. Additionally, the metaphor used may not resonate with all participants, indicating a need for clearer communication.

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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