Well we know that e.m. radiation induces currents in conductors. Take for example microwave radiation.If it is traveling through a hollow metal waveguide, in the waveguide's walls there will be high frequency induced currents affected by the skin effect.Does light have the same effect?If it does why is it so small compared to other frequencies of the e.m. spectrum? I have an idea but I will keep it to myself right now. Thank You!
2006-07-12 05:08:50 · 9 answers · asked by Florin B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Radio waves and other low frequency radiation that induce currents in metals have a relatively long wavelength. The voltage difference induced by these waves is spread out over the wavelength, and so you get a current over this long distance. Light waves work the same way, but since they are very high frequency, the electrons experience the gradient only over several hundred nanometers. Thus, instead of experiencing a macroscopic current, the electron agitation is manifested as heating of the metal.
2006-07-12 05:25:43 · answer #1 · answered by modi_ponens 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can induce currents in metal objects. However, instead of a current the metal will often eject electrons. This is called the photelectric effect, and has been known since 1905.
Regular visible light has more energy than microwave radiation by the way.
2006-07-12 05:12:12 · answer #2 · answered by satanorsanta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does...
In fact it was one of three thesis's published by Einstein in 1905..."It's called the Photo-Electric Effect" and it was this paper that launched Quantum Physics. Einstein proposed that energy came in discrete packages called Quanta and that a photon represented one quanta. Of course he provided the mathematical proof for such a claim.
Indeed this thesis at the time had far more impact on Physics than Relativity theory which was the last of Einstein's' three papers of 1905.
The first paper was about the Doppler Effect.
Einstein solved three of the most fundamental questions that had faced experimental physicists for 100 years before him...and opened a whole new realm of questions which are still plaguing physicists today.
2006-07-12 05:21:47 · answer #3 · answered by Perry L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wave length of light is extremely short (four hundred - seven-hundred nanometres) compared to the dimensions of an electric powered circuit. in case you had an electric powered circuit decrease than seven-hundred nanometers, you ought to get significant voltages led to, in the different case the peaks and troughs of the EM waves are too close at the same time and have a tendency to cancel one yet another out.
2016-11-06 06:29:28 · answer #4 · answered by newnum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a point. The light is not a magnetic wave. They say it behaves like both wave and particle. Remember Ether medium which was used by light waves to propagate. Since the ether died so does the wave theory to in time. I am for light as a particle NOT A WAVE.
2006-07-12 05:17:12 · answer #5 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably because the photon would only cause the electron to move up to a higher level around the nucleus of an atom; not cause it to get moved along to another atom, so no electric current would flow.
2006-07-12 05:26:11 · answer #6 · answered by Larry B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the Duality of light, being both a wave and a particule.
2006-07-12 05:13:58 · answer #7 · answered by full_tilt_boogie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep a tin foil hat on to protect mself from this radiation.
2006-07-12 05:12:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It actually does. The proof is beyond the scope of this question.
2006-07-12 05:38:17 · answer #9 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋