Why is glass transparent?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Its atoms don't absorb visible light
Its atoms don't absorb visible light ✓ — Correct! Glass is transparent because its atoms don't absorb visible light photons. Light waves can pass through the material without being absorbed. Glass's amorphous (non-crystalline) structure and wide electron band gap mean visible light photons don't have enough energy to excite electrons, so light passes through rather than being absorbed. UV light has more energy and is absorbed, which is why glass blocks UV.
Glass polished to be smooth — Wrong. Polish affects reflection and clarity, but transparency comes from glass's atomic structure. Atoms are arranged so visible light photons pass through without absorption. Even rough glass is transparent; polishing just reduces surface scattering for clearer vision.
Air pockets let light through — Wrong. Glass is solid with no air pockets (unlike foam). Transparency comes from its atomic structure. Glass atoms are arranged in a way that doesn't absorb visible light photons—light passes through rather than being absorbed or scattered.
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