TYNDALL PHENOMENON Meaning and
Definition
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The Tyndall phenomenon refers to the scattering or dispersion of light by particles suspended or dissolved in a transparent medium, giving rise to apparent optical effects. Named after the 19th-century Irish scientist John Tyndall, it occurs when light encounters tiny particles or molecules within a medium, causing the light to scatter in multiple directions rather than pass straight through.
The phenomenon is observed when a beam of light passes through a transparent substance, such as a liquid or gas, containing microscopic particles that are larger than the wavelength of the light. These particles can include dust, droplets, or even protein molecules. As the light interacts with the particles, it scatters in all directions, making the normally invisible particles visible. This scattering effect is due to the interaction of light waves with the particles, causing them to divert the light at different angles.
The Tyndall phenomenon is commonly seen in everyday life. For example, it is responsible for the bluish color of the sky during the day due to the scattering of sunlight by tiny air molecules. In the field of chemistry and biology, it is often used to visualize suspensions or colloidal systems and detect the presence of particles.
Understanding the Tyndall phenomenon is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including meteorology, optics, and materials science. The phenomenon has also found applications in industries such as environmental monitoring, testing the purity of liquids, and the development of technologies like laser light scattering.
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The visibility of floating particles in gases or liquids when illuminated by a ray of sunlight.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TYNDALL PHENOMENON
- ryndall phenomenon
- fyndall phenomenon
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Etymology of TYNDALL PHENOMENON
The word "Tyndall phenomenon" is derived from the name of John Tyndall, an influential 19th-century Irish physicist. The term specifically refers to a phenomenon observed and named by Tyndall himself in the 19th century, in which light is scattered by colloidal particles or very small particles suspended in a transparent medium. This scattering of light by small particles became known as the "Tyndall effect" or the "Tyndall phenomenon" as a tribute to the scientist who made significant contributions to our understanding of light and its interaction with matter.
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