Why we use wavelength to divided into ray, wave and particle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of light as ray, wave, or particle based on its wavelength in relation to the dimensions of measuring equipment. Participants explore the rationale behind using wavelength as a parameter for this classification and consider alternative parameters such as amplitude and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that light is classified into ray, wave, or particle based on the relationship between its wavelength and the dimensions of equipment used for measurement.
  • It is suggested that when the wavelength is much smaller than the equipment size, wave phenomena like interference and diffraction are less apparent.
  • When the wavelength equals the equipment dimension, interference and diffraction become significant.
  • Some participants question why wavelength is chosen as the parameter for classification instead of other quantities like amplitude or frequency.
  • Frequency is noted as a viable alternative to wavelength since they are related, but some argue that wavelength is more commonly used.
  • Participants mention that intensity, related to amplitude, also plays a role in determining whether light should be treated as a classical wave or quantum entity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the choice of wavelength as the parameter for classification, with some supporting its use while others suggest alternatives. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best parameter for this classification.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of intensity in the classification of light, indicating that the treatment of light may vary based on the number of photons present, but this aspect is not fully explored.

isnainidiah
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I want to ask something about light, light can be defined as ray, wave, or particle. The group formed because of the wavelength, if the wavelength is less than the dimension of equipment it is grouped into ray, if the wavelength is equal to the dimension of equipment it is grouped into wave, and the last if the wavelength is bigger than the dimension of the equipment it is grouped into particles/foton. My question is, why we use wavelength to divided into ray, wave and particles ?
 
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isnainidiah said:
The group formed because of the wavelength, if the wavelength is less than the dimension of equipment it is grouped into ray,
When the wavelength is much smaller than the typical equipment size, phenomena inherent to a wave, such as interference and diffraction, are much less apparent - such light passing through an iris will practically be just going through it with the beam size after is the same as the iris opening.
isnainidiah said:
if the wavelength is equal to the dimension of equipment it is grouped into wave,
Interference and diffraction become important.
isnainidiah said:
the last if the wavelength is bigger than the dimension of the equipment it is grouped into particles/foton.
Have never heard of it, but I suppose, when the measuring element is much smaller than the wavelength, the sensitivity to the electric field fluctuation may be excalated. This is the realm of quantum optics.
 
But, why wavelength is choosen as parameter ?
 
isnainidiah said:
But, why wavelength is choosen as parameter ?
I believe the answer to this question is already implied in my previous post.
 
I mean, why not another quantity such as amplitudo or frequency become the parameter ?
 
isnainidiah said:
I mean, why not another quantity such as amplitudo or frequency become the parameter ?
Frequency can also be used in place of the wavelength as these quantities are related by ##c=\lambda f##. It just happens that we use wavelength more often than we do frequency. You are right, in some cases, actually the intensity of the light, which is directly related to the amplitude must also be taken into account as to whether we should resort to treating the light as classical wave or quanta. In particular, when the intensity is very high (meaning this light beam contains thousands of million of photons) it's sufficient to treat it as a classical wave. If there is only a few photons (let's say below a hundred), then we must resort to the quantum treatment which is quantum optics.
PS: I recognize your name is native to certain southeast Asian countries.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
Frequency can also be used in place of the wavelength as these quantities are related by ##c=\lambda f##. It just happens that we use wavelength more often than we do frequency. You are right, in some cases, actually the intensity of the light, which is directly related to the amplitude must also be taken into account as to whether we should resort to treating the light as classical wave or quanta. In particular, when the intensity is very high (meaning this light beam contains thousands of million of photons) it's sufficient to treat it as a classical wave. If there is only a few photons (let's say below a hundred), then we must resort to the quantum treatment which is quantum optics.
PS: I recognize your name is native to certain southeast Asian countries.

Hmmm i got the idea,, thank you for your explanation
Yeah, you're right i come from southeast asian countries
 

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