0
$\begingroup$

Let's say that I have a detector and a few sources of light (think lightbulbs). The sources are all the same power and emit different colours of light. We're on the surface of Earth.

As I walk further and further away from any given source, the detected intensity will drop off. I believe that the intensity of longer-wavelength light will drop off more slowly: longer-wavelength light experiences less scattering and absorption. How do you mathematically categorize the relationship between change in intensity over distance (specifically with respect to scattering and absorption in air) and wavelength?

I'm particularly interested in how far below the visible spectrum you need to go before you see appreciable/significant differences between a visible source and an infrared source.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Are you referring to light scattering in air or generally, in a vaccum? $\endgroup$
    – Zac67
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 19:26
  • $\begingroup$ Specifically in air. (Question updated.) $\endgroup$
    – johnharveybc
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 19:29
  • $\begingroup$ Since we’re talking about lightbulbs, are you aware of the inverse square law? $\endgroup$
    – Gilbert
    Commented Mar 16, 2022 at 3:03
  • $\begingroup$ In the sense that the intensity of light, generally, falls off with 1/r^2? Yes. If you mean some other inverse square law that applies instead to wavelength, no. $\endgroup$
    – johnharveybc
    Commented Mar 17, 2022 at 16:14

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.