What happens to all the light energy when you turn off a light switch?
Steven B asked:
How is it that an entire room can be illuminated by one small light source, yet when that source is stopped, every trace of light is gone?
How is it that an entire room can be illuminated by one small light source, yet when that source is stopped, every trace of light is gone?
Is it just instantly absorbed by the surrounding surfaces?
I would think there might be a brief moment where the residual light is reflected back and forth between the walls or something.
Would the effect be the same in a room with a completely reflective floor, ceiling, and walls? Or would the light energy bounce continuously off the walls, keeping the room illuminated even in the absence of continuous source of light?
I’m sure there is a simple explanation, but please, enlighten me.