Light what is it really ? past just another form of energy?

In summary, light is composed of electric and magnetic fields, which are essentially energy and momentum packets called photons. These photons interact with each other to create electromagnetic waves. While we can think of light as energy, it can also be seen as potential energy, similar to how thermal energy is the random kinetic energy of particles. The true nature of light and what it means depends on individual definitions and perceptions.
  • #1
aiop
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Light is electric magnetic waves alternating. But are electric magnetic waves?, What are they composed of. electric and magnetic fields ? But what are they composed of ? is there any physical part of a wave to imagine. light is energy but is that the best description to what light is. We know heat is energy but we know thermal energy means atoms moving faster or slower. So what does light mean?
 
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  • #2
The best models of light is in terms of an electromagnetic interaction mediated by photons ... there is no reason to suspect that photons are made of anything else but packets of energy and momentum. Electromagnetic waves that you are probably used to are an emergent phenomenon of many photons.

In the sense that thermal energy is random kinetic energy of particles, then light is potential energy.

What something is "really" depends on how you define "real" ... if you had found what something is "really", how would you tell?
 

1. What exactly is light?

Light is a form of energy that is visible to the human eye. It is made up of tiny particles called photons, which have both wave-like and particle-like properties. Light is one of the fundamental forces of the universe and is essential for life on Earth.

2. How does light travel?

Light travels in a straight line at a constant speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This speed is known as the speed of light and is the fastest possible speed in the universe.

3. What are the different types of light?

There are many different types of light, including visible light, which is the light that we can see with our eyes. Other types of light include infrared, ultraviolet, radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays. Each type of light has a different wavelength and frequency, which gives it unique properties and uses.

4. How is light created?

Light can be created in many ways, such as through chemical reactions, electrical processes, or nuclear reactions. However, the most common way light is created is through the emission of photons from atoms, molecules, or other particles when they gain or lose energy.

5. What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all the different types of electromagnetic radiation, including light. This spectrum includes all the different types of light, from radio waves with the longest wavelengths to gamma rays with the shortest wavelengths.

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