Exploring the Science Behind Translucency in Wet Paper

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In summary, when a piece of paper becomes wet, the water reduces the surface irregularities and creates a smoother surface, allowing more light to pass through. This is due to reduced scattering caused by the change in relative refractive indices between paper/air and paper/water.
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vin300
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Why does a wet piece of paper let through more light than a dry one?
 
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  • #2
Most of the change in transparency of paper [and tee shirts] to allow more light thru when wet is probably because the water reduces the surface irregularities by holding them together, flatter, reducing reflection...it makes the surface 'smoother'.


Diffuse reflection - Generally, when light strikes the surface of a (non-metallic and non-glassy) solid material, it bounces off in all directions due to multiple reflections by the microscopic irregularities inside the material ... and by its surface, if it is rough.

More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translucent#Light_scattering_in_solids
 
  • #3
Yes. In fact, if you wet it with an organic solvent whose index matches that of the paper, it will become transparent and allow you to read the letter inside an envelope without opening it.
 
  • #4
vin300 said:
Why does a wet piece of paper let through more light than a dry one?

Because there is reduced scattering, due to the change in relative refractive indices of paper/air vs. paper water. Lower Δn, less scattering.
 
  • #5
Thanks.That helped.
 

Related to Exploring the Science Behind Translucency in Wet Paper

What is translucence of wet paper?

The translucence of wet paper refers to the degree to which light is able to pass through the paper when it is wet. It is a measure of the paper's transparency or opacity.

Why does wet paper become translucent?

Wet paper becomes translucent because the water in the paper causes the fibers to swell and separate, allowing more light to pass through. This results in a decrease in opacity and an increase in translucence.

What factors affect the translucence of wet paper?

The translucence of wet paper can be affected by the type and quality of the paper, the type and amount of water used, and the method of wetting the paper. Temperature and humidity can also play a role in the translucence of wet paper.

What are some common applications of wet paper translucence?

Wet paper translucence is often utilized in art and design, as well as in scientific experiments. It can also be used to create special effects in photography and film. Additionally, the translucence of wet paper can be used to test the quality and absorbency of paper products.

How can the translucence of wet paper be measured?

The translucence of wet paper can be measured using a variety of methods, such as spectrophotometry or visual inspection. There are also specialized instruments, such as a densitometer, that can accurately measure the translucence of wet paper.

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