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

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    Light Particle Wave
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of light, specifically whether it is a wave or a particle, and how it travels from a source to the human eye. Participants explore various scientific models and conceptual understandings of light, touching on quantum mechanics and the limitations of popular science descriptions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that light is described as both a wave and a particle, but express uncertainty about the accuracy of this description.
  • One participant suggests that the best model for understanding light is quantum electrodynamics, which treats light as a spin-1 quantum field, indicating that this model does not align with everyday experiences.
  • Another participant argues that light is neither a particle nor a wave, but rather excitations in an underlying quantum electromagnetic field, emphasizing the complexity of quantum mechanics.
  • There is a suggestion that lay texts simplify the nature of light for beginners, which may lead to misconceptions.
  • A participant references educational resources, including a video and a book, to help clarify the topic, while acknowledging that a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics is necessary.
  • One participant questions whether there is a FAQ entry that addresses the nature of light, indicating a search for established information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of light, with multiple competing views presented regarding its classification as a wave, a particle, or something else entirely. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in popular science descriptions and the challenges of conveying complex quantum concepts at a beginner level. There are also indications of missing assumptions and the need for a solid background in quantum mechanics to fully grasp the theories discussed.

Quantum Velocity
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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?
 
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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?
 
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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
 
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Isn't there a FAQ entry that answers this question?
 
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