The discussion centers on the interpretation of light as electromagnetic (EM) waves, specifically questioning the accuracy of common visual representations like Maxwell's diagrams. Participants argue that while these diagrams illustrate the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields, they do not accurately depict what EM waves "look like" in reality, as EM waves cannot be visually observed in the same way as physical objects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the mathematics behind Maxwell's equations to grasp the nature of EM waves better, suggesting that plotting solutions can aid comprehension. Ultimately, it is concluded that EM waves are better understood through their effects rather than visual representations, as they do not produce images in the conventional sense. The discussion highlights the complexity of visualizing abstract concepts in physics and the limitations of diagrams in conveying the true nature of EM waves.
