If visible light is bent around a object does that object become invisible?

Answer 1

Technically, yes. As long as the amount of bending is significant enough to overcome the objects own light reflection.

Answer 2

Ah... theory. OK!

Visibility is a term that means we can see somthing right. So, technically this doesn't mean we see the 'reality' only that our eyes percieve something. For example some birds and butterflies seem irridescent blue, but actually the material of their feathers or wing scales is some other color like brown. We are not actually seeing the brown but we say we can see the bird, right?

So, seeing depends on our perception rather than the reality.

Ok, another version. Take a magnifying glass. It bends light. Look at something. Now back up. Bigger... bigger... oops. Where did it go!?! It's gone. Wow, Invisible and it only took a magnifying glass.

Yeah yeah I know, cheap examples. So take a big example. What they call a 'black hole.' Well wy do they call it a 'Black Hole?' Light goes in but can't get out. It's trapped. Can it be seen? Yes. We can perceive the results of its existence by looking at the light that was passing by and bent in our direction. This even has a name: 'Einstein's Cross.' So the 'black hole' can be perceived even though we can't actually see the 'reality' of it.

How could something be in a situation where light is bent around it and we can't see it? OK another cheap shot.

Mirrors can be put in a way that will create amazing illusions. My favorite is where you have a pair of curved mirrors, and when you drop a coin in there, it seems to float in the air. The point is, you can not see it where it is, but you can see it where it isn't!

;-D Cool huh?

Answer 3

Yes, and it's been demonstrated a microwave wavelengths. Basically, that means that true invisibility is a theoretical possibility.

Answer 4

if it means the light would not reach the human eye then yes.

Answer 5

Yep.