Understanding Energy: Exploring Particle Light Absorption and Red/Blue Shifting

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In summary, the conversation discusses how particles can shift light energy through red or blue shift and whether this can render the light undetectable. It is noted that while there may be a decrease in detection due to power loss, there is no frequency of electromagnetic waves that is completely undetectable. Various techniques may be needed to detect different frequencies.
  • #1
Emissive
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Particles emit and absorb light of certain quanta and various factors can then red or blue shift this energy. Does this mean light sometimes gets shifted into a frequency which is unable to be absorbed by any particle and therefore can longer be 'seen'? (At least until it is shifted further...)
 
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  • #2
It certainly is possible to red or blue shift light out of the visible spectrum.
 
  • #3
Of course. Although I am thinking about all em waves...
 
  • #4
So you really want to know if there are EM waves that can't be blocked?
 
  • #5
Emissive said:
Of course. Although I am thinking about all em waves...
Well if you are not specifically interested in the visible portion of the spectrum then a red shifted EM wave is still an EM wave. You cannot red or blue shift so much that it ceases to be an EM wave of some wavelength.
 
  • #6
Emissive said:
Particles emit and absorb light of certain quanta and various factors can then red or blue shift this energy. Does this mean light sometimes gets shifted into a frequency which is unable to be absorbed by any particle and therefore can longer be 'seen'? (At least until it is shifted further...)

To my knowledge, no matter how long the wavelength there is still a small chance for an object to absorb a small part of its energy.
 
  • #7
There is no frequency of EM that is undetectable. However, the power loss on long paths (for red shift to be relevant) will mean that detection gets increasingly difficult because the signal to noise ratio gets progressively worse.
Different techniques are necessary / available for different frequencies and this may be relevant to detectability.
 

Related to Understanding Energy: Exploring Particle Light Absorption and Red/Blue Shifting

1. What is energy?

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It is present in all forms of matter and can be transferred or converted from one form to another.

2. What is particle light absorption?

Particle light absorption is the process in which particles, such as atoms or molecules, absorb light energy and convert it into internal energy. This can cause the particles to vibrate or move faster, which results in a change in temperature or state of matter.

3. How does red/blue shifting occur?

Red/blue shifting occurs when light is either absorbed or emitted by particles. When an object is moving towards an observer, the wavelengths of the emitted light are compressed, resulting in a shift towards the blue end of the spectrum. Conversely, when an object is moving away from an observer, the wavelengths are stretched, resulting in a shift towards the red end of the spectrum.

4. What are some real-world applications of understanding energy and red/blue shifting?

Understanding energy and red/blue shifting is crucial in many fields, including astronomy, chemistry, and physics. It helps us understand the behavior of particles and their interactions with light, which is essential in developing new technologies and understanding the universe.

5. How can we use this knowledge to develop new technologies?

By understanding energy and red/blue shifting, we can develop new technologies such as lasers, solar panels, and LED lights. These technologies rely on our understanding of particle light absorption and how to manipulate it to our advantage. Additionally, this knowledge can also help us improve existing technologies and make them more efficient.

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