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brianeyes88677
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The atoms in a metal (ex. Cu) are arranged as a 3-D grating. But to our common sense ,smooth metal surfaces only reflect lights. Why can't we see diffraction from metal surfaces?
abbas_majidi said:The metals contain a see of free electrons. In EM we know refractive index for metals is complex. Imaginary part of n is responsible for absorption and reflection of EM waves.
Metal surfaces do not show diffraction because they have free electrons that can easily move and absorb light, preventing it from scattering and causing diffraction patterns. This makes it difficult to observe diffraction from metal surfaces.
No, we cannot see diffraction from all metals. Only certain metals with specific crystal structures, such as silver and gold, have the ability to produce diffraction patterns because they have a regular arrangement of atoms that allows for the interference of light waves.
The thickness of a metal surface does not have a significant effect on diffraction. This is because the thickness of a metal surface is much larger than the wavelength of light, and the diffraction pattern produced by a single layer of atoms is not observable.
Diffraction is observed when light passes through a small opening because the size of the opening is comparable to the wavelength of light, causing the light waves to interfere with each other and produce a diffraction pattern. However, when light hits a metal surface, the regular arrangement of atoms in the metal causes the light to be absorbed and prevents the formation of a diffraction pattern.
Yes, diffraction can be observed from metal surfaces with different textures or finishes. This is because the texture or finish of the surface does not affect the regular arrangement of atoms in the metal, which is the main factor that determines whether diffraction can occur or not.