What is light ?

Discussion in 'Physics & Math' started by Truenemo1889, Aug 23, 2004.

  1. Truenemo1889 Registered Senior Member

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    What is light ? Is it made up photons? If so what are photons. Are they matter ? Are photons waves or particles, both or neither?
     
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  3. Brandon9000 Registered Senior Member

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    Light is the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is an alternating electric and magnetic field propagating through space. If a changing electric field comes into existence, it will give rise to a changing magnetic field at right angles to it, which will give rise to a changing electric field, and so on. The phenomenon will propagate outward in an expanding wavefront through space. This wave also has particle-like properties, which are more apparent at higher frequencies. When the frequency is as high as that of visual light, the particle-like properties are very apparent. When we regard electromagnetic radiation as a particle, we call it a photon. It is also true, as demonstrated by Louis de Broglie, that matter has wavelike properties.
     
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