Do diamonds reflect EM waves ?

In summary: So you can't just wave your hand over it and expect it to start bouncing around.In summary, diamonds are good at reflecting sound because they have a high refractive index.
  • #1
sbratva
5
0
Radio or any other wave in electromagnetic spectrum?

Sound perhaps?

And at what frequency(ies)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well, at an oblique enough angle, they'll certainly reflect EM waves between 440nm and 770nm. Of that we can be sure.
 
  • Like
Likes sbratva
  • #3
sbratva said:
any other wave in electromagnetic spectrum?
Visible light is part of the EM spectrum, and a diamond's particular talent at refracting that is why they're sold as horrendously expensive jewelry. (Optical reflection is just a special form of refraction.)
And just about everything solid reflects sound, in one way or another.
 
  • Like
Likes sbratva
  • #4
The can reflect some waves sometimes, but they can't reflect all the waves all the times.

At the Bragg angle they reflect x-rays.
 
  • Like
Likes sbratva
  • #5
Pretty much anything with index of refraction not equal to 1 will reflect some EM radiation at its surface (assuming it is surrounded by air or vacuum) in accordance with Fresnel reflection http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_equations

Metals are a weird case because they have complex refractive indices, but diamond simply follows the equation.
 
  • Like
Likes sbratva
  • #6
Sound is not an EM wave but diamond will reflect it as well. Actually it will reflect is very well if the diamond is in air, as the impedance mismatch is huge.
 
  • Like
Likes sbratva
  • #7
Thanks for replies fellas.

Last question.

Can you "charge" diamonds (rough) with let's say, electromagnetism?
 
  • #8
sbratva said:
Can you "charge" diamonds (rough) with let's say, electromagnetism?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Material_properties_of_diamond

Except for most natural blue diamonds, which are semiconductors due to substitutional boron impurities replacing carbon atoms, diamond is a good electrical insulator, having a resistivity of 100 GΩ·m to 1 EΩ·m[28] (1011 to 1018 Ω·m).
There's a lot more to the article, but this is as far as I dare quote due to copyright.
 
  • #9
sbratva said:
Thanks for replies fellas.

Last question.

Can you "charge" diamonds (rough) with let's say, electromagnetism?
What do you mean by "charge"? Charge with what?
 
  • #10
sbratva said:
Thanks for replies fellas.
Can you "charge" diamonds (rough) with let's say, electromagnetism?

Like, get a cat and rub the diamond on the cat and notice the static electricity?
"If you like it then you should have put a ring on it."
 
  • #12
nasu said:
Sound is not an EM wave but diamond will reflect it as well. Actually it will reflect is very well if the diamond is in air, as the impedance mismatch is huge.
I would like to be able to afford a big enough diamond to have any significant reflections out in the open! :)
A lady / fiancee with particularly big hands needed too.
Diamond is like all solids, being much more dense than air - and a pretty stiff material, too.
 

Related to Do diamonds reflect EM waves ?

1. How do diamonds reflect electromagnetic waves?

Diamonds have a very high refractive index, meaning that they can bend and slow down light passing through them. When light hits a diamond, it is reflected multiple times within the diamond before exiting, giving it a sparkling appearance.

2. Do diamonds reflect only visible light or all types of electromagnetic waves?

Diamonds are able to reflect all types of electromagnetic waves, including visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet. However, the amount of reflection may vary depending on the wavelength of the wave.

3. Are diamonds the only gemstones that can reflect electromagnetic waves?

No, other gemstones such as rubies and sapphires also have a high refractive index and can reflect electromagnetic waves. However, diamonds are known for their exceptional ability to reflect light and are often used in jewelry for this reason.

4. How does the cut of a diamond affect its reflection of electromagnetic waves?

The cut of a diamond plays a crucial role in how it reflects electromagnetic waves. A well-cut diamond will have precise angles and facets that allow for maximum reflection and sparkle, while a poorly cut diamond may not reflect light as effectively.

5. Can diamonds absorb electromagnetic waves?

Yes, diamonds can also absorb some electromagnetic waves, depending on their wavelength. This is why diamonds appear to have different colors under different lighting, as some wavelengths are reflected while others are absorbed.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
929
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
864
Back
Top