Why water looks transparent while spray looks white?

In summary, when water hits a stone, it appears white due to the complex surface of the stone causing more diffuse reflection and refraction. This is similar to grinding transparent glass into white powder. "Spray" in this context refers to the droplets created when the water hits the stone, which reflects and scatters light in all directions, creating a white color. This can be compared to the way a pair of glasses works for one person but not another, as it depends on the individual's perception.
  • #1
espressogelato
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The water looks transparent, but when the water hit the stone, it looks as if it turns white? Why?
 
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  • #2
More complex surface -> more diffuse reflection, refraction. Same with grinding transparent glass to white powder.
 
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  • #3
What exactly is "spray" in this context?
 
  • #4
All those optical effects mentioned above. A bit like the same reason why a pair of corrective glasses works for one person and not for somebody else.
 
  • #5
rollete said:
All those optical effects mentioned above. A bit like the same reason why a pair of corrective glasses works for one person and not for somebody else.
I don't perceive this metaphor.
 
  • #6
Drakkith said:
What exactly is "spray" in this context?
"the spray" here just like the drop created when the water hits the stone. For example, the bottom of the waterfall is white while the top is transparent.
 
  • #7
espressogelato said:
"the spray" here just like the drop created when the water hits the stone. For example, the bottom of the waterfall is white while the top is transparent.

Ah okay. I think A.T.'s answer is right. The huge number of droplets reflects and scatters the light in all directions, resulting in a white color instead of a transparent "sheet".
 
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Related to Why water looks transparent while spray looks white?

1. Why does water appear transparent while spray looks white?

Water appears transparent because it is a clear liquid that allows light to pass through without scattering. When water is in the form of spray, it is broken up into tiny droplets which scatter light in all directions, making it appear white.

2. What causes the spray of water to look white?

The white appearance of spray is due to a phenomenon called Mie scattering. This occurs when light is scattered by particles that are larger than the wavelength of the light. In the case of water spray, the droplets are larger than the wavelength of visible light, causing the light to scatter and give the spray a white color.

3. Can water ever appear white like spray?

In certain conditions, water can appear white like spray. This can happen when the water contains a high concentration of particles, such as in a milk or coffee solution. These particles are small enough to scatter light in all directions, giving the water a white appearance.

4. Why does spray sometimes appear rainbow-colored?

Spray can appear rainbow-colored when the light is being diffracted and refracted by the tiny droplets. This is known as a rainbow effect and is caused by the different wavelengths of light being separated and reflected back to our eyes.

5. Is the color of spray always the same?

No, the color of spray can vary depending on the size and concentration of the droplets, as well as the angle and intensity of the light hitting the spray. This can result in a range of colors, from white to rainbow-colored, or even no color at all in certain conditions.

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