Green laser beam can't penetrate fog

[o_DEATH_ANG3L_o]

So I was doing a little testing with my 35 mW advanced. I filled one of those 5 gallon Culligan water jugs up with fog. I then shot my laser beam through it. I noticed that the beam did not come out the other side. It also did not get reflected back. Where does it go?? I have also noticed this on really foggy nights. If you point it to the sky you can literally see it stop. Well if anyone knows what I mean or has any helpful insight on this situation, please share it.

 

[nes_ds]

I can't scientifically explain how the light is dissipated, but to explain how the beam seems to stop in the air, it's simple. The beam doesn't just stop, it simply travels beyond your field of view.

 

[stevetexas]

multiple reflections from small particles each diffusing the beam will prevent the beam from passing. It will seem to absorb the beam when it is really just diffusing it.

 

[Greenie]

/\ What he said LOL.

 

[likewhat]

The light is scattered by the particles, It is called to Mie scattering when the particles are >> wavelength like in fog.

 

[Chief-Eamonn]

you cant see through a wall youll also notice that your laser wont shine through it the fog blocks out the light thats all i got.

 

[Aseras]

The beam is still there, hold you hand on the far side of the jug and it should still light up green. the beam just spread out too far to be seen, but the light should still be going unless your jug is opaque....

 

[o_DEATH_ANG3L_o]

Well the jug is more like a dark blue but yet it is clear in a way. Yeah I can barely see the shine of the green when I put my hand on the other side. Very cool though.

 

[scopeguy20]

Oh! Physics 101! Auah!

 

[Benm]

The light is scattered by the particles, It is called to Mie scattering when the particles are >> wavelength like in fog.

What happens depends on the color of the particles, given that they are >> the wavelenght. The water droplets in fog reflect (scatter) the light to a great degree, while particles in smoke (think of and old diesel) absorb most of the light.

For particles << the wavelenght, this works differenty as such particles technically don't have a color.

 

[o_DEATH_ANG3L_o]

Yeah that makes a bit of sense now. Thanks guys.