Do charges (static or moving) reflect light?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between charges and light. It is stated that a spark emits light without the need to reflect it. The presence of free charges also allows for reflection of light, as seen with mirrors. Additionally, when charges move with acceleration, they emit light, which explains the appearance of sparks, flames, and the sun. The spark emits light by heating up the air to extreme temperatures, causing it to emit energy in the form of light. The concept of atoms and their electric field is also mentioned as a source of light.
  • #1
think
19
0
Do charges (static or moving) reflect light? If no, then how can we see a spark?
 
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  • #2
A spark emits light, it doesn't have to reflect it to be seen.
 
  • #3
Free charges indeed reflect light, and quite well. Look at a mirror - it is free electrons which reflect.

Charges also emit very well when they move with acceleration. That is why we see a spark, a flame, Sun, etc.
 
  • #4
And what makes spark to emit light?
 
  • #5
The spark heats up the air to tremendous temperatures (into a plasma), which then emit their energy as light.
 
  • #6
Originally posted by think
And what makes spark to emit light?

Atoms are electric charges, right? Right. They have electric field around them. When you shake an atom (say, atom is fast thermal motion in a spark), then field begin to shake too. This shaking electric field is what we call "light".
 

1. What is the relationship between charges and light reflection?

The relationship between charges and light reflection is complex and not fully understood. However, it is known that charges, whether static or moving, can cause the emission or absorption of electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible light.

2. Can static charges reflect light?

Yes, static charges can reflect light. When a charged object is placed near a light source, the electric field created by the charge can cause the light to change direction and reflect off the object, making it visible to the human eye.

3. How do moving charges reflect light?

Moving charges can reflect light through a phenomenon known as the Doppler effect. As a charged particle moves, it creates a disturbance in the surrounding electric and magnetic fields, resulting in a change in the frequency of the emitted light. This change in frequency can be detected as a shift in the color of the reflected light.

4. Can charges reflect light in all directions?

Yes, charges can reflect light in all directions. The direction of reflection depends on the angle at which the light hits the charged object and the orientation of the electric field of the charge. This phenomenon is known as specular reflection and is commonly observed with smooth surfaces.

5. Is the reflection of light by charges affected by the color of the light?

Yes, the reflection of light by charges can be affected by the color of the light. This is because different colors of light have different wavelengths and can interact with charges in different ways. For example, shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, tend to be more easily reflected by charges compared to longer wavelengths like red and orange.

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