Charge & Reflection: Explaining What It Means

In summary, the Amasci site states that charge is responsible for reflecting light and making objects visible. However, this statement is oversimplified and does not take into account the role of electrons in this process. A beam of light causes electrons to oscillate, which in turn produces a reflected beam. Without electrons, pure clusters of protons would not be able to radiate any electromagnetic radiation. This raises the question of whether Drakkith's question suggests a potential explanation for the nature of dark matter.
  • #1
Virogen
13
0
The Amasci site makes this statement:

"charge is the stuff that reflects light and makes objects visible..."

Can anyone elaborate on what this means? I cannot think of a way to explain it at all - I don't even understand how charges could reflect light.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Well, charges are pretty much the only things that interact with electromagnetism, so in that sense I guess this is true. It's an awfully broad and sweeping statement, however, and leaves out a lot of details. Anyway for a metal, an incoming beam of light causes the electrons near the surface to oscillate. Acting like little dipoles they reradiate the energy, producing a reflected beam.
 
  • #3
It's simply wrong. It's not "charge" that reflects light- it is electrons. Electrons absorb a photon, then re-emit it.
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
It's simply wrong. It's not "charge" that reflects light- it is electrons. Electrons absorb a photon, then re-emit it.

Would a plasma consisting solely of protons/neutrons and no electrons have any effect on light?
 
  • #5
Does Drakkith's question present suggestion for nature of dark matter? Would pure clusters of protons have no way to radiate any electromagnetic radiation?
 

FAQ: Charge & Reflection: Explaining What It Means

What is charge and how does it affect objects?

Charge is a fundamental property of matter that determines how an object will interact with electric and magnetic fields. It can either be positive or negative, and objects with the same charge will repel each other while objects with opposite charges will attract each other.

How is charge measured?

Charge is measured in units called Coulombs (C). The charge of an electron is approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 C, while the charge of a proton is +1.6 x 10^-19 C. The charge of an object is determined by the number of protons and electrons it has.

What is reflection and how does it relate to charge?

Reflection is the bouncing back of light, sound, or other waves when they encounter a barrier. When light or sound waves encounter a charged object, they can be reflected due to the electric fields created by the charge. This is how we can see objects that do not emit light, such as a book or a wall.

Can charge be created or destroyed?

No, charge is a conserved quantity, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed. Charge can only be transferred from one object to another through the movement of electrons or ions. This is known as the law of conservation of charge.

How does the concept of charge and reflection apply to everyday life?

Charge and reflection play a significant role in our daily lives. For example, the flow of electricity used to power our devices is possible because of the movement of charged particles. Reflection is also used in various technologies, such as mirrors, cameras, and telescopes, to capture and view images. Understanding these concepts helps us better understand and manipulate the world around us.

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