Question

Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, known as wave-particle duality.

Light travels in straight lines through a uniform medium unless it encounters an obstacle or change in medium.
The speed of light in a vacuum is constant and is approximately
3
×
1
0
8
3×10
8
meters per second.
Light waves can be refracted (bent) when they pass from one medium to another with a different refractive index.
The color of light is determined by its wavelength, with shorter wavelengths corresponding to blue and longer wavelengths to red.
Light waves can undergo interference, where they combine to either reinforce (constructive interference) or cancel out (destructive interference) each other.
Light waves can be polarized, meaning they vibrate in a specific direction perpendicular to their direction of propagation.
Light can be described both in terms of rays (ray optics) and waves (wave optics) depending on the specific context and scale of observation.

Answer 1

Light has wave-particle duality, with a constant speed in a vacuum and colors arising from different wavelengths. Wave behaviors like interference occur with small objects, while light acts as a ray with larger ones. Refraction occurs when light passes through media of different indices, affecting speed and direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Light, a form of electromagnetic radiation, exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, which is known as wave-particle duality. In a vacuum, light travels at a constant speed, c = 3 × 108 m/s, and this relationship can be expressed with the formula c = fλ, where f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength of the light. The range of visible light wavelengths is approximately from 380 nm (violet) to 760 nm (red), with color perception arising from these various wavelengths stimulating the color receptors in the human eye.

When light interactions occur with objects similar in size to its wavelength, wave-like phenomena such as diffraction and interference are observed. Interference patterns, characterized by alternating regions of high and low intensity (constructive and destructive interference), can be seen when a coherent light source, like a laser, passes through slits with dimensions close to its wavelength. On the other hand, light behaves as a ray, traveling in straight lines, when it encounters large obstacles.

Moreover, light experiences refraction when transitioning between media with different refractive indices, altering its speed and direction. This bending of light is exploited in lenses to focus light and create images. The wave characteristics of light are also evident through phenomena such as polarization, where light waves are confined to vibrate in one direction