Question

your friends say that they saw a special nail polish that changes color when it is out in the sun. can light from the sun cause the nail polish to change color?
no. light is not a physical thing, so it cannot change physical things like nail polish.
yes. light from the sun can pull energy out of the nail polish, causing it to change color.
yes. the nail polish can take in energy from the light, causing it to change color.
no. light can only change things by warming them up, so it cannot cause the nail polish to change color.

jayden says that the dentist can shine a special light on his teeth that will make his teeth become whiter. can light change jayden’s teeth?
yes. jayden’s teeth can take in energy from the light, causing them to become whiter.
yes. light can pull energy out of jayden’s teeth, causing them to become whiter.
no. light can only change things by warming them up, so it cannot cause jayden’s teeth to become whiter.
no. light is not a physical thing, so it cannot change physical things like teeth.

Explanation:

First Question (Nail Polish Color Change)

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the options:

• The first option is wrong because light is a form of energy (electromagnetic radiation) and is physical.
• The second option is incorrect as light doesn't "pull energy out" but transfers energy to the nail polish.
• The third option is correct: Light (photons) carry energy, and the nail polish can absorb this energy, triggering a chemical or physical change (like a photochromic reaction) that changes its color.
• The fourth option is wrong because light can cause non - thermal changes (e.g., photochemical reactions), not just heating.

Let's evaluate the options:

• The first option is correct. In teeth whitening procedures (like those using UV or LED lights), the light provides energy to the whitening agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide - based), which then reacts with the stains on the teeth. The teeth (and the whitening agent on them) absorb energy from the light to drive the chemical reaction that whitens the teeth.
• The second option is wrong as light doesn't "pull energy out" of the teeth; it provides energy for the whitening reaction.
• The third option is incorrect because light - based teeth whitening is not just a heating process; it's a photochemical process.
• The fourth option is wrong because light is a physical entity (electromagnetic radiation) and can interact with physical things (like teeth) to cause changes.

Answer:

Yes. The nail polish can take in energy from the light, causing it to change color.

Second Question (Teeth Whitening with Light)