Visible light is only visible when it hits something. But are lasers visible as a beam through air?
2007-01-21 15:31:08 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
if there is particulate matter (dust, smoke) in the air, you can see the path of the laser as it strikes the solid particles
2007-01-21 15:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer is a definite YES.
You can see the beam propagating through the dusty or smokey air, where the particles of dust or smoke appear like bright spots.
Not only that, but due to Raman and Rayleigh scattering you can see a laser beam even in a dust free environment. However, the ambient light must be low and you must be looking towards the source of the laser radiation. But be careful never, NEVER, to look directly into the laser beam.
2007-01-21 15:54:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i imagine someone has been observing too many undesirable technology-faction video clips! A laser beam is **in user-friendly words** seen at the same time as it unearths its way into your eye. (NB: do not shine a 5mW eco-friendly laser right now into your eye! it received't do you any strong!) you may make a laser beam happen by technique of injecting some reflective debris into its direction; spraying an aerosol or blowing cigarette smoke, operating example. Then various the basic will leap off the debris and also you'd be able to work out it.
2016-12-02 21:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, absolutely. A laser beam is light too, therefore it can be reflected by material in the air, like dust or smoke.
2007-01-21 15:36:51 · answer #4 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Through transparent air, lasers are invisible until they hit something. If you fill the air with smoke then of couse the laser hits those opaque particles, illuminating them. But if lasers were to expend their energy on empty air or space so that you could see it as a beam, they wouldn't go very far, and they'd be useless for things like laser weapons in Star Wars, for example.
2007-01-21 16:13:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi. Through air? Probably due to scattering of the light. Not visible in a vacuum.
2007-01-21 15:35:51 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. two examples, laser pointers and laser light guides on skil saws.
2007-01-21 15:40:27 · answer #7 · answered by badbill1941 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No.
Lasers are only visible when they reflect from something.
To see their path you need to put dust or a mist in their way (for lab work the mist comes in spray cans).
2007-01-21 20:16:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋