why is that visible light can pass through transparent objects but not opaque ones?
2007-06-02 18:26:09 · 6 answers · asked by formystudies6 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It has to do with how the photons interact with the atoms of the substance. If the interaction causes electrons to be kicked to a higher energy level, the photon gets absorbed and the material is opaque. If the electron band gap is such that electrons aren't promoted by the photon's particular energy, the photon passes through and the substance is transparent.
2007-06-02 18:38:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The arrangement of atoms in transparent material permit the frequencies of visible light to weave a path through.
2007-06-06 10:35:17 · answer #2 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think of reflection and refraction. light will pass through clear glass reletavly easy because it does not cause the light to be deflected. but opaque has alot of interference with the light which causes the photons to be sent in all different directions, thus not seeming as clear.
2007-06-02 18:33:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has something to do with efficient transmission of EM energy from one molecule to the next. If you can be the first person to explain that as clearly as glass, you'll probably get a Nobel prize.
2007-06-02 19:32:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think --real-- hard and long about the definitions of 'transparent' and 'opaque' ☺
Doug
2007-06-02 18:30:58 · answer #5 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is the nature of light.
2007-06-02 23:48:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋