According to Floris' answer in this link, diamonds are transparent as they have large band gaps while graphite is black as it is a conductor.
As electrical insulators generally have a large band gap, why aren't all insulators transparent?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
3
-
3$\begingroup$ If pure without inclusions, defects, scattering centers, and whatnot, they generally will be transparent. For example, sapphire (crystalline aluminum oxide) is wonderfully transparent, while alumina-based ceramics often are not (due to grain sizes and impurities). $\endgroup$– Jon CusterCommented Aug 17, 2017 at 15:23
-
$\begingroup$ @JonCuster That sounds like a fairly complete answer. $\endgroup$– Selene RoutleyCommented Aug 18, 2017 at 1:56
-
$\begingroup$ @joncuster Sorry for the basic question but what about polymer such as plastic, rubber, wood, or ceramics ? $\endgroup$– JinSnowCommented Mar 22, 2020 at 21:19
Add a comment
|