Light is a type of energy which propagates as electromagnetic waves. In the spectrum of electromagnetic waves, light has place between ultraviolet and infrared region.
Some Facts About Light
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, therefore, light is also transverse wave.
• Wave nature of light explains; rectilinear propagation of light, reflection of light, refraction of light, interference of light, diffraction of light and polarization of light.
• The happenings in physics like Photoelectric Effect and Compton Effect can not be explained on the basis of wave nature of light. These phenomenons are explained on the basis of quantum theory of light, explained by Albert Einstein.
• The quantum theory of light, considers light as a packet or bundle of energy, these energy packets are called photons. Photon associates with it as Energy E; where E = hv
• Light has dual nature and behaves as a particle as well as wave.
• Speed of Light was first calculated by Roemer in 1678 AD.
• Speed of light is maximum in vacuum, which is equivalent to 3x108 m/s.