The Properties of Light

             It can be thought of either as a particle, (the photon), or as a wave. The photon we can easily think of as a small dot travelling through space at the speed of light. Each photon has a particular colour or energy. But how do we think of light as a wave? For this we need to know that light is also an "Electro-magnetic field" -- a combination of electric-field and magnetic-field -- the same thing that causes static electricity and magnets to attract (or repel) things. Light is just another way that this "field" is experienced. A light wave is an oscillating electro-magnetic field - just like a water wave is water with an oscillating surface. Photons are bosons, and have a quantum spin of 1. .

             Light has the properties of both particle and waves. If we look for photons we will find them, but if we look for wave -like properties we can see them too. However, we cannot see both particle and wave properties at the same time. .

             It is often useful to confine light in an optical-cavity. This allows us both to make more intense light, as well as select light of a particular colour (or energy). .

             Light travels at a speed of 2.99792458x10^{8} ms^{-1}.

             When passing though matter, light is slowed down by brief interactions, and so appears to travel more slowly. .

             This "slowing down" is accounted for by the index of refraction of the matter.

             Light's properties can at first seem confusing and inconsistent because of.

             the unique nature of light: light has the properties of both a wave and a.

             particle. In some situations, light's behavior is more easily explained by.

             thinking of light as a particle. In other situations, its behavior can only be.

             explained if light is thought of as a wave. This duality of light between a.

             particle and a wave is very difficult if not impossible to visualize. Instead.

             it is much easier to see light demonstrate its properties in specific.

             situations.

             Light as a Wave.

             Before the nineteenth century, the physics community was split over the.

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