Why do glass and crsytals absorb light?

[Biologik]

What determines of something absorbs light? Is it determined by the orbitals the electrons spin at, and what makes these two things special when other things like wood and metal don't

 

[cragar]

It defiently has to do with the eletrons in the material. And how all the electrons affect each other ,
We don't have discrete orbitals in a complex material like wood or glass. As the photon comes in an oscillates the electron , The coulomb interaction between the electrons will dictate what light gets re-emitted . This might not be completely accurate but its a start and hopefully someone else can elaborate .

 

[granpa]

the absorption spectra of gases is determined by their orbitals.
with solids it gets complicated. you get effects like "electronic band structure" that single atoms don't really show
thats why there is a whole branch of physics called 'solid state physics'.

metals are a special case because they are conductors
I really don't know what makes glass (or water) so special.

 

[Dr Lots-o'watts]

Transparency to visible radiation is simply when there are no electronic transitions possible for the incoming radiation.

 

[sardar]

Glass and crystals absorb light because of their molecular structure and the arrangement of their atoms. This structure allows them to absorb certain wavelengths of light, which causes the electrons in the material to become excited and jump to a higher energy level. This absorption of light is determined by the orbital paths that the electrons spin at, as well as the energy levels of these orbits.

The unique properties of glass and crystals, such as their high level of transparency and ability to refract light, are due to their highly ordered and symmetrical molecular structure. This allows for a more efficient absorption and transmission of light compared to other materials like wood and metal, which have a more random arrangement of atoms.

Additionally, the atomic composition of glass and crystals plays a role in their ability to absorb light. For example, glass is made up of silicon dioxide, which has a high refractive index and can absorb light in the ultraviolet and infrared regions. Crystals, on the other hand, have a regular and repeating pattern of atoms, which allows them to absorb light at specific wavelengths based on their crystal lattice structure.

In summary, the absorption of light is determined by the molecular and atomic structure of a material, specifically the orbitals and energy levels of the electrons in that material. Glass and crystals have unique properties that make them more efficient at absorbing and transmitting light compared to other materials, making them useful in various scientific and technological applications.