Quantum theory explains how light can act like both a particle and a wave. This idea is called wave-particle duality, and it is a key part of modern physics.
Interference and Diffraction: Light shows its wave-like behavior when it goes through things like interference and diffraction. For example, when light goes through two slits, it creates a pattern on a screen. This pattern shows that light behaves like a wave.
Wavelengths: The light we can see has wavelengths between about 400 nanometers (violet) and 700 nanometers (red). Light travels really fast, about 300 million meters per second, which is called the speed of light. The speed of light is connected to how often the wave occurs (frequency) and its wavelength.
Photons: Quantum theory tells us that light is made up of tiny particles called photons. Each photon has a specific amount of energy. The energy is calculated using a simple formula.
Photoelectric Effect: One of the best examples of light acting like a particle is the photoelectric effect. In this case, when light hits a metal surface, it can knock out electrons. This only happens if the light has enough energy, which shows that light consists of these energy packets called photons.
In short, quantum theory helps us understand that light can behave like both a particle and a wave. This duality is supported by many experiments. Understanding this has important impacts in areas like optics, quantum computing, and photonics, forming the basis of modern physics.
Quantum theory explains how light can act like both a particle and a wave. This idea is called wave-particle duality, and it is a key part of modern physics.
Interference and Diffraction: Light shows its wave-like behavior when it goes through things like interference and diffraction. For example, when light goes through two slits, it creates a pattern on a screen. This pattern shows that light behaves like a wave.
Wavelengths: The light we can see has wavelengths between about 400 nanometers (violet) and 700 nanometers (red). Light travels really fast, about 300 million meters per second, which is called the speed of light. The speed of light is connected to how often the wave occurs (frequency) and its wavelength.
Photons: Quantum theory tells us that light is made up of tiny particles called photons. Each photon has a specific amount of energy. The energy is calculated using a simple formula.
Photoelectric Effect: One of the best examples of light acting like a particle is the photoelectric effect. In this case, when light hits a metal surface, it can knock out electrons. This only happens if the light has enough energy, which shows that light consists of these energy packets called photons.
In short, quantum theory helps us understand that light can behave like both a particle and a wave. This duality is supported by many experiments. Understanding this has important impacts in areas like optics, quantum computing, and photonics, forming the basis of modern physics.