Light -- how light particles can penetrate through glass?

In summary, the transparency of glass is determined by the amount of open space it has. In order for a material to not be transparent, it must have something that can absorb or scatter light, such as electrons with accessible energy levels. If the atoms in the material have the right characteristics, the light will be absorbed by the electrons and may lose energy.
  • #1
ajaykrishna90
how light particles can penetrate through glass?
 
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  • #2
HallsofIvy said:
The "transparency" of glass is mostly a matter of how much open space there is.
No it is not. Lead glass has a higher density than aluminium, but the former is transparent while the latter is not.

To be not transparent, there has to be something that can absorb (or scatter) light - usually electrons that can reach a higher energy level. The electrons in transparent glasses are bound to their atoms/molecules and do not have accessible energy levels they could go to from the absorption of light.
 
  • #3
thanks for the explanation.but whether it means electrons are absorbed? then whether light loses energy?
 
  • #4
ajaykrishna90 said:
thanks for the explanation.but whether it means electrons are absorbed? then whether light loses energy?

If the atoms making up the material have the right characteristics, then the light will be absorbed by the electrons in the material.
 
  • #5
right characteristics? anyway, thanks! got some idea now. :)
 

FAQ: Light -- how light particles can penetrate through glass?

How does light pass through glass?

Light passes through glass due to the material's transparent properties. Glass is made up of molecules that are arranged in a regular pattern, allowing light particles to pass through without being absorbed or scattered.

Why can't all types of light pass through glass?

Not all types of light can pass through glass because glass has specific properties that only allow certain wavelengths of light to pass through. For example, visible light can pass through glass, but ultraviolet and infrared light cannot.

Why is glass transparent to light?

Glass is transparent to light because it has a low refractive index and a high transmittance. This means that light particles are able to pass through the glass without being bent or absorbed, making it appear transparent to the human eye.

How does the thickness of glass affect the transmission of light?

The thickness of glass can affect the transmission of light by altering the amount of light that can pass through. Thicker pieces of glass may absorb more light, resulting in a lower amount of transmitted light compared to thinner pieces of glass.

Can light be completely blocked by glass?

No, light cannot be completely blocked by glass. Even though some light may be absorbed by the glass, there will always be some light that is transmitted through the material. However, glass can be designed to have a high opacity, making it appear as though no light is passing through.

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