Optical absorption liquid vs solid

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference in absorption of light per unit between liquids and solids, specifically in regards to a unit cube filled with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate. The speaker asks if there is a way to determine if a substance will have different attenuation between its liquid and solid form and if there are resources available for optical absorption data. The responder mentions that there may be differences in absorption due to crystal structure and suggests Landolt Börnstein as a resource for tabulated data on crystal absorptions.
  • #1
jaisale
1
0
I'm looking for information about absorption of light per unit (atom, molecule, stoichiometric) in a liquid vs solid. For instance, imagine a unit cube filled with a saturated solution of, say, potassium permanganate, and shine a laser beam through it from bottom to top and measure the attenuation. Then, evaporate the water and form a single crystal of p.p. in the bottom of the cube, and measure the attenuation of the beam again.

In both cases the laser beam passes through the same number of the relevant atoms or molecules. Is there any way to reason whether a given substance will have less, the same, or more attenuation between the liquid form and solid form? It is easy to find data on the different index of refraction between liquids and solids, but are there books or internet resources that make it easy to find optical absorption for various liquid/solid or solution/solid forms of various crystals?

Thanks in advance, of course.
 
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  • #2
Well, there may be all kind of differences. E.g. due to the crystal structure the absorption may be different along different directions and for different polarizations of the crystal due to orientation of the molecules, interaction of the ions or internal fields in the crystal.
Obviously absorptions for crystals have been tabulated. A good starting point is landolt börnstein.
 

Related to Optical absorption liquid vs solid

1. What is the difference between optical absorption in liquids and solids?

Liquids and solids have different molecular structures, which affects how they interact with light. In liquids, the molecules are more loosely packed and can move around, allowing for more free movement of electrons. This results in a broader range of absorbed wavelengths compared to solids, which have a more rigid and tightly packed molecular structure.

2. How does the absorption spectrum of a liquid differ from that of a solid?

The absorption spectrum of a liquid typically shows a gradual decrease in absorption as the wavelength increases, with no distinct peaks or valleys. In contrast, the absorption spectrum of a solid often exhibits sharp peaks and valleys, indicating specific wavelengths of light that are either strongly absorbed or transmitted.

3. Why do some liquids have a different color than their solid forms?

The color of a substance is determined by the wavelengths of light that it absorbs and reflects. In liquids, the molecules can move around and rotate, causing a wider range of wavelengths to be absorbed compared to solids. This can result in a different color appearance for a substance in its liquid form compared to its solid form.

4. How does the concentration of a substance affect its optical absorption in liquids and solids?

The concentration of a substance can affect its optical absorption in both liquids and solids. In liquids, a higher concentration leads to more molecules being present, which can result in a greater overall amount of light being absorbed. In solids, a higher concentration can lead to changes in the molecular structure, altering the absorption spectrum and potentially resulting in a different color appearance.

5. Can the optical absorption of a substance be affected by its physical state?

Yes, the physical state of a substance can affect its optical absorption. As mentioned earlier, the molecular structure of a substance can differ between its liquid and solid forms, resulting in different absorption spectra. Additionally, factors such as temperature and pressure can also impact the physical state of a substance and therefore affect its optical absorption properties.

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