Transparent materiels

What happens to light at the atomic level when it strikes a transparent material?

When light hits a transparent material, the electrons absorb the light energy temporarily and then re-emit it, allowing the light to pass through the material.

Why does light slow down when it enters a transparent material like glass?

Light slows down in transparent materials because it is absorbed and re-emitted by the material's electrons. This process causes a delay in the light wave's overall movement.

What is the index of refraction, and how does it relate to the speed of light?

The index of refraction (nnn) is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a material. A higher index means light slows down more in the material.

How does light interact with transparent materials like glass to make them transparent to visible light but opaque to ultraviolet (UV) light?

Glass is transparent to visible light because the light energy does not match the natural vibration frequencies of the electrons, allowing the light to pass through. However, UV light has enough energy to resonate with the electrons, causing it to be absorbed and not pass through.

Why does light bend when it passes from one transparent material to another?

Light bends (refracts) when it passes from one transparent material to another because it changes speed. The difference in speed causes the light to change direction.

: What happens to UV light when it hits a piece of glass?

UV light is absorbed by the electrons in glass because its energy matches the energy required to excite the electrons. This prevents the UV light from passing through, making the glass opaque to UV light.