2007-01-18 00:00:11 · 7 answers · asked by niceeyeahnice 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I wonder who will give a good answer. I don't understand it except in a vague sort of way. Light waves being big in comparison with molecular size and hence little scattering although I believe that it is a degree of scattering of the shorter wavelength blue colours which give the sky its colour.
2007-01-18 00:16:13 · answer #1 · answered by Robert A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oxygen normally exists as a diatomic molecule O2, but there exists an allotropic form called ozone, O3 . Oxygen is a chemical element that exists in the atmosphere as a stable molecule containing contains two atoms (O2). The element has an atomic weight of 16; the molecular weight is 32. This substance is produced in the upper atmosphere and acts as a shield protecting life from harmful ultraviolet rays. The destruction of this ozone layer by chemicals called CFC's (chlorinated fluorocarbons - now banned in several countries) is a major cause for concern.
2016-05-24 03:00:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not 100% sure.
If something is white, it absorbs radiation (i.e. light) causing the excitation of electrons from their ground state to a higher energy state. As these electrons relax back down to their ground states, photons (light) of all visible wavelengths (i.e. white light) are emitted in the form of white light (as white light it the combination off all visible wavelengths of light) hence making the object appear white.
If something is black it absorbs all visible wavelengths, the same as a white object. However, the relaxation of electrons back to their ground states occurs via a pathway that doesn't involve the emission of visible radiation (light).
If something is colourless i.e. oxygen gas, it means that it doesn't interact with light at all i.e. light just passes straight through it.
One other point to consider, is the phase of the substance. For example if oxygen gas was liquidised it would be visible (like water, which is also colourless).
2007-01-18 09:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To see someting in the visible spectrum the light waves must be bounced off the object. The wavelenth of light in the visible spectrum is too big to be reflected back to the eye, they just sort of "skip" over it. X-rays on the other hand are very much smaller in wavelenth and can be reflected or diffracted by atoms. The reflected or diffracted rays still have to converted into a visible form. This can be done by scintilating the rays into a larger visible wavelength which can be detected on photographic plates or film. The was done by Watson and Crick to discover the structure of DNA
2007-01-18 01:36:23 · answer #4 · answered by odessy 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it may be easier to answer your question in reverse and tell you why we can see certain substances. The reason we do see certain things is because they absorb light in the visible range. The reason that certain things appear to be green is because they absorb light in the 'green' wavelength range. Oxygen just does not absorb light in the visible range.
2007-01-18 00:14:18 · answer #5 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because oxygen has very few molecules making up one of its atoms so is too small and spaced out to be seen.
2007-01-18 00:04:05 · answer #6 · answered by agius1520 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They do not reflect light
2007-01-18 00:05:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋