Behavior of Photons During Reflection.

In summary, when light is reflected off of a material, the photon is both absorbed and re-emitted by the electron or lattice. This happens similarly to a ball bouncing off of a wall (option B), but also involves absorption and reemission of the photon (option A). This process is not the same as electronic transitions and happens concurrently. Further information can be found on the mechanisms of reflection and atomic level interactions.
  • #1
Infrasound
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Which of the following is consistent with experiment/observation.

When light is reflected off of a material, what happens to the photon?

A. Is it absorbed by the electron or lattice and then re-emitted?

OR

B. Does it somehow just reflect/bounce off the electron/lattice? Kind of like a ball bouncing off of a wall?

Maybe neither?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
It's kind of both. It happens like B but is really A.

The electrons of the conductor are set in motion by the incident magnetic field. (remember, the electric field along a conductor is zero.)

This motion results in the immediate radiation of new photons. But it's not really an absorbed-then-reemitted process like it is with electronic transitions. The absorption and reemission are concurrent.
 

FAQ: Behavior of Photons During Reflection.

What is the behavior of photons during reflection?

During reflection, photons behave as both particles and waves. They are reflected off a surface at an angle equal to the angle of incidence, and the frequency of the photons remains unchanged.

How do photons interact with different surfaces during reflection?

When photons encounter a smooth and polished surface, they undergo specular reflection, where they bounce off at the same angle they hit the surface. In contrast, when photons hit a rough or opaque surface, they undergo diffuse reflection, where they are scattered in all directions.

Can the behavior of photons during reflection be explained by the laws of reflection?

Yes, the behavior of photons during reflection can be explained by the laws of reflection, which state that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection and that the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal all lie on the same plane.

How does the color of a surface affect the behavior of photons during reflection?

The color of a surface affects the behavior of photons during reflection because different colors correspond to different wavelengths of light. When photons hit a surface, they are either reflected, transmitted, or absorbed depending on the material and its color.

Can the behavior of photons during reflection be affected by external factors?

Yes, the behavior of photons during reflection can be affected by external factors such as the angle of incidence, the color and texture of the surface, and the wavelength of the incident light. The properties of the material that the photons are reflecting off of can also play a role in their behavior.

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