Is Light a Wave or a Particle? Understanding Its Nature and Travel to Our Eyes

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Quantum Velocity
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light Particle Wave
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of light, clarifying that it is neither purely a wave nor a particle but rather excitations in a quantum electromagnetic field, as described by quantum electrodynamics (QED). Participants emphasize that common descriptions of light as both a wave and a particle are oversimplifications. For a deeper understanding, they recommend studying quantum mechanics and specific resources, including textbooks and educational videos. The conversation highlights the complexity of light's behavior and the necessity of a solid foundational knowledge in physics to grasp these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with quantum electrodynamics (QED)
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic fields
  • Ability to interpret scientific literature and models
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum electrodynamics (QED) fundamentals
  • Read introductory textbooks on quantum mechanics
  • Watch educational videos on light and quantum behavior, such as those from Khan Academy
  • Explore advanced resources on the nature of photons and electromagnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its behavior in quantum mechanics.

Quantum Velocity
Messages
73
Reaction score
6
I heart from my friend that light is both wave and particle but i don't know that is true or not.
So can you guy tell me what light actually is?
And how light travel from the source and then to our eye?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Quantum Velocity said:
I heart from my friend

If you are interested in learning physics, it's better to find a good textbook.

Quantum Velocity said:
that light is both wave and particle but i don't know that is true or not.

It's a common pop science description, but it's not really accurate.

Quantum Velocity said:
can you guy tell me what light actually is?

No, but we can point you in the direction of scientific models of light that make good predictions. The best model we currently have is quantum electrodynamics, which is a quantum field theory; in this theory, light is modeled as a spin-1 quantum field. That doesn't really correspond to anything in our everyday experience; that's a key reason why pop science descriptions can't really teach you the physics.

Quantum Velocity said:
how light travel from the source and then to our eye?

This is much too broad a question for a PF thread. I would advise taking some time to learn the basics of quantum mechanics from a textbook.

Can you describe a much more specific scenario that raises a particular issue you're concerned about?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier, NFuller and bhobba
Light can behave as both a wave and a particle. This is not something that can be answered in a few sentences, though. I would start with this video from Khan Academy
 
It's neither, but to allow lay persons to get a bit of a grip on QM lay texts often say it is. QM is a very hard subject to understand properly at the beginner level so liberties are taken. Here we do not take liberties but tell you the truth form the start. So I will repeat it - its neither particle or wave - technically it's excitation's in an underlying quantum electromagnetic field that permeates all of space. At the beginner level this very cheap book presents this correct view, although even it has issues, but nothing a beginner should worry about:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ULVG9O/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You need a background beyond beginner level to understand the proper theory.

Now this is beyond B level and you will not understand it, but hopefullly you will glean a bit of the truth from it. Dont worrry if you don't though, I post it just in the hope you will get something from it:
http://www.physics.usu.edu/torre/3700_Spring_2015/What_is_a_photon.pdf

Thanks
Bill
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
Isn't there a FAQ entry that answers this question?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K