Why is light attenuation not linear?

In summary, light attenuation is the non-linear decrease in intensity of light as it travels through a medium. This decrease is affected by the properties of the medium, such as its composition and distance traveled, as well as the angle at which light enters the medium. Light attenuation cannot be reversed, but some materials are designed to minimize this effect.
  • #1
DocMorris
1
0
I was wondering why light transmission through a solution decreases exponentially and not linear with the concentration of the absorbing compound in solution. I know the Beer-Lambert law, but I do not really understand the reason for this logarithmic rather than linear dependence. Can anyone explain this in simple words using examples a non-physicist can understand? :)Many thaks in advance.
 
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  • #2
If there is less light, there is less absorption.
Both are proportional to each other.
 

Related to Why is light attenuation not linear?

1. Why does light attenuation not decrease at a constant rate?

Light attenuation is the process by which light decreases in intensity as it travels through a medium. The rate at which this decrease occurs is not linear because it depends on the properties of the medium and the wavelength of the light. Some materials, such as water, absorb certain wavelengths of light more than others, causing a non-linear decrease in intensity.

2. How does the composition of a medium affect light attenuation?

The composition of a medium can greatly affect light attenuation. For example, a medium with a high concentration of particles or impurities will scatter light, causing a decrease in intensity. Similarly, a medium with a high concentration of absorbing substances will also decrease light intensity non-linearly.

3. Is light attenuation affected by distance?

Yes, light attenuation is affected by distance. As light travels through a medium, it will encounter more particles and impurities, causing a non-linear decrease in intensity. This effect becomes more pronounced as the distance traveled increases.

4. How does the angle of incidence impact light attenuation?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which light enters a medium, can impact light attenuation. When light enters a medium at an angle, it will travel a longer path through the medium, causing a non-linear decrease in intensity. This is known as refraction and is responsible for the bending of light when it passes through different materials.

5. Can light attenuation be reversed?

No, light attenuation cannot be reversed. Once light has passed through a medium, its intensity will decrease non-linearly and cannot be restored to its original value. However, some materials, such as optical fibers, are designed to minimize light attenuation and maintain the intensity of light as it travels through the material.

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