Does White Light Really Exist as One Wave?

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SUMMARY

White light consists of seven distinct wavelengths, yet it is often represented as a single electromagnetic wave. This representation can mislead, as the individual waves travel separately but at the same speed. The concept of white light typically refers to a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic waves, with frequencies between infrared and ultraviolet light. Additionally, polarization does not eliminate the magnetic field component of light waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Familiarity with the concept of wavelengths
  • Knowledge of light polarization
  • Basic grasp of the electromagnetic spectrum
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electromagnetic spectrum and its components
  • Study the properties and applications of light polarization
  • Explore the differences between monochromatic and polychromatic light
  • Learn about the behavior of light waves in various mediums
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, educators, and anyone interested in the properties and behavior of light and electromagnetic waves.

Fiona Rozario
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White light is composed of 7 wavelengths. And yet we show white light as one single electrical wave perpendicular to the accompanying magnetic wave. Don't all the waves actually travel separate (though at the same speed)? Also, does polarization of light mean cutting out on the magnetic field completely (with reference to the image)?
 

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Science news on Phys.org
While you probably can trick the human eye into interpreting a combination of seven monochromatic electromagnetic waves as "white light", that is not what we usually mean by that. What we usually means by "white light" is a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic waves, whose frequencies are greater that those of infrared light, and lower than those of ultra-violet light.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White#Optics

The answer to the second part (polarization) is simple: no.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarization_(waves )
 
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