Why Can't We Get Inside a Wall?

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In summary, the idea that photons of visible light can't pass through a wall is false, as photons of visible light have enough energy according to equation-E.
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Neelesh
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Get into the wall !

I want to say that we can't go into the wall b'cus we know that we are made up of atoms (mainly electrons, protons and neutrons) and all these are fermions, and so as wall. Since fermions follow Pauli's Exclusion Principle. Suppose, we get inside the wall so the fermions (electrons, protons and neutrons) occupy the same quantum state and that is the violation Pauli's Exclusion Principle. So, this implies that we can't enter inside the wall.

Now, photons can enter inside the glass slab but not inside a wall (both are solids)?
Answer is that since photons are bosons(don't obey Pauli's Exclusion Principle) so, when they enter inside the glass the interact with fermions which is not the violation of Pauli's Exclusion Principle. But, the photons of visible light don't have sufficient energy according to equation-

E = hc/(wavelength)

So, it can't pass through wall but instead a gamma ray is taken (havin' wavelength > wavelength of visible light, can enter inside a wall.

So, is this proposition true?
 
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  • #2
Neelesh said:
So, is this proposition true?
No. Here's a counter-example: water is highly transparent at visible energies (~10^15 Hz) but highly opaque at about 10 times higher energies (~10^16 Hz) and 10 times lower energies (~10^14 Hz).

Ref: See fig 7.9, p 315, J. D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics (3 Ed.)
 
  • #3
Neelesh said:
... the photons of visible light don't have sufficient energy according to equation-

E = hc/(wavelength)

So, it can't pass through wall but instead a gamma ray is taken (havin' wavelength > wavelength of visible light, can enter inside a wall.

Radio waves have energy far less than that of visible light and yet they do get through the wall.:rolleyes:

The reason is:
Coefficients of absorption vary both with type of material and specific wavelength, the value of which must usually be determined by experiment.

However...
For any particular material and wavelength, the absorbance varies with concentration of the absorbing material, the length of material the light passes through, and the coefficient of absorption.

Here, have a Beer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer-Lambert_law

Creator:biggrin:
 
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Related to Why Can't We Get Inside a Wall?

1. Why can't we physically get inside a wall?

There are several reasons why we cannot physically get inside a wall. One reason is that walls are typically solid structures made of materials such as brick, concrete, or wood that are difficult to break through. Additionally, walls often have electrical wires, plumbing, insulation, and other components that make it even more challenging to penetrate them. Finally, it is not safe or practical for humans to be inside walls due to the risk of injury and lack of space.

2. Can technology or tools be used to get inside a wall?

While technology and tools have advanced in recent years, it is still not possible to physically get inside a wall using them. Some tools such as drills and saws can create holes in walls, but they are not large enough for a person to fit through. Other technologies like thermal imaging or X-ray machines can detect objects inside walls, but they do not allow for physical access.

3. Is there any way to see inside a wall?

Yes, there are a few ways to see inside a wall without physically entering it. One method is to use an endoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a camera attached to the end that can be inserted into small openings in walls. Another way is to use a stud finder, which can detect the location of wooden studs behind walls. Lastly, thermal imaging cameras can detect differences in temperature behind walls, giving an idea of what may be inside.

4. Are there any risks associated with trying to get inside a wall?

Yes, there are several risks associated with trying to get inside a wall. The most significant risk is injury, as attempting to break through a wall can result in cuts, bruises, or broken bones. There is also the risk of damaging the wall, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, there may be hazardous materials or live electrical wires inside walls that could pose a danger to those attempting to enter.

5. Why do people want to get inside walls?

There are a few reasons why people may want to get inside a wall. Some may be curious about what is behind the walls, such as hidden rooms or objects. Others may be attempting to access pipes or wires for repairs or renovations. Some people may also be attempting to hide or escape from something, which is not recommended and can be dangerous.

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