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Q:
Why can't you trap light in a box? Presumably the photons are still around when you close the lid, but it goes dark. I am really enjoying your site, even if most of it is over my head. Thanks.
- harriet
N.Z.
A:
You are right. The photons are still there. If the insides of the box were perfectly reflecting, like mirrors, the photons would just bounce around for a long time. However, all surfaces have a certain amount of absorption that will eventually eat up the photons. There is always a certain amount of thermal radiation in the box, but that is another story.
LeeH
(published on 12/18/2009)
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