Table of Contents
Why do atoms not pass through each other?
When two atoms approach each other, their electron shells push back at each other, despite the fact that each atom’s net charge is 0. Matter does not pass through other matter mainly due to the Pauli exclusion principle and due to the electromagnetic repulsion of the electrons. .
Can light pass through atoms?
When light falls on a material, the energy in its photons can affect the atoms in the material. In some materials, such as metal, the atoms absorb some of the photons so light does not pass through them. In other materials, such as glass, the atoms cannot absorb the photons and light passes through them.
Why can’t light pass through opaque objects?
Opaque materials do not allow transmission of light waves. In other words, we can’t see through an opaque object. Opacity occurs because of the reflection of light waves off the surface of an object. When light waves are reflected, an object appears opaque.
When no light passes through an object that object is?
Translucent objects allow light to pass through them but they distort it. Example: frosted or stained glass. Opaque objects do not allow light to pass through them.
Why are objects solid when atoms are mostly empty space?
It feels solid because of the dancing electrons. So pushing just two atoms close to each other takes energy, as all their electrons need to go into unoccupied high-energy states.
Why do opaque objects absorb light?
When light strikes translucent materials, only some of the light passes through them. The light does not pass directly through the materials. Opaque objects block light from traveling through them. Most of the light is either reflected by the object or absorbed and converted to thermal energy.
Do opaque objects absorb or reflect light?
Light cannot shine through opaque materials at all. In fact, opaque materials absorb the light that shines on them. A little of the light is reflected back, though. Each object reflects some light waves of a certain color.
What happens to electrons when light falls on them?
Although electrons never tire, moving up to a faster step does take energy. And when an electron moves down to a slower pattern it loses energy which it gives out. So when energy in the form of light falls on an electron, it can absorb some energy and move up to a higher, faster “dance” pattern.
How do atoms reflect light?
Atoms – The atoms consist of protons,electrons& neutrons inside the nucleus , the atoms doesn’t reflect light there’s a small relation of atoms and photons.
What happens to light waves when they are absorbed or reflected?
The light wave could be absorbed by the object, in which case its energy is converted to heat. The light wave could be reflected by the object. And the light wave could be transmitted by the object.
What happens to the energy of electrons in opaque materials?
If the object is opaque, then the vibrations of the electrons are not passed from atom to atom through the bulk of the material. Rather the electrons of atoms on the material’s surface vibrate for short periods of time and then reemit the energy as a reflected light wave. Such frequencies of light are said to be reflected.