Photon Absorption, Emission, Reflection, Extinction, and Transmission in Matter: A Classical Reappraisal Under AND Theory

Dilip D James

Abstract: This work presents a unified, physically grounded reinterpretation of light?matter interaction phenomena-absorption, emission, reflection, transmission, and extinction-through the framework of Augmented Newtonian Dynamics (AND). Departing from probabilistic and field-based quantum descriptions, AND theory proposes that photons are real, discrete entities interacting with electrons in matter via time-bound, mechanically governed processes. Electrons do not permanently absorb photons; rather, they engage in a rapid cycle of absorption followed by recoil and elastic re-emission, maintaining energy continuity and directional coherence. This mechanism accounts for the colour of objects, the transmission of light through transparent media, and its extinction in opaque substances where elastic passage is not feasible. Reflection is interpreted in keeping with classical laws, as the result of electron recoil occurring at specific angles, conserving momentum and preserving the incoming photon?s energy and frequency. Emission is not spontaneous or random but arises from well-defined energy exchanges, with recoil effects that obey Newtonian action?reaction principles. Finally, extinction is treated not as a loss of the photon per se, but as a redistribution of its energy into thermal motion via inelastic encounters. By aligning with core classical principles-conservation of energy, momentum, and quantized photon energy (E = h?)-this approach offers a consistent and intuitively accessible model of light behavior, eliminating the need for metaphysical constructs and reinforcing the explanatory power of classical physics extended by virtual photon dynamics.

Keywords: Augmented Newtonian Dynamics (AND), photon-electron interaction, light transmission, photon extinction, elastic scattering, photon absorption, photon emission, reflection, virtual photon aether, classical physics, energy conservation, recoil dynamics, transparent media, opaque materials, real photons, electromagnetic propagation