Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye.
Light has several key characteristics:
- Electromagnetic Radiation: It is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes other forms of radiation like X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves.
- Wavelength Range: Visible light has wavelengths between about 380 nanometers (violet) and 740 nanometers (red).
- Dual Nature: Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. As waves, it shows interference and diffraction. As particles, called photons, it can cause photoelectric effects.
- Energy Transmission: Light is the primary way energy is transferred in the universe. For example, the Sun’s light warms the Earth and drives photosynthesis.
- Speed: In a vacuum, light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (the speed of light), but this speed decreases when passing through different mediums like water or glass.
Light plays a crucial role in various fields, including astronomy, physics, biology, and photography, and is essential for the perception of color and sight.