What are the components of light?

In summary, Light has two main components, an alternating magnetic field and an alternating electric field. It can also be described as photons, quanta, or a wave packet. Its properties include exhibiting both wave and particle properties, following Maxwell's equations, and having a constant speed of c. From an electromagnetic perspective, light is an oscillating magnetic field that creates an oscillating electric field, which is known as "propagation."
  • #1
drme
what are the components of light?
what are the properties of light?
does light have magnetic field?

thanx...
 
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  • #2


Originally posted by drme
what are the components of light?
Depends on who you ask...
1/2 Magnetic field, 1/2 Electric field - both alternating.
or
photons or quanta
or
wave packet
or
energy

what are the properties of light?
A short, incomplete list...
1) Exhibits both wave and particle properties
-reflection
-refraction
-dispersion
-polarization
-scattering
-interferrence
-diffraction
2) Maxwell's equations
3) Speed is constant: c=l*f, where l=wavelength and f=frequency.

does light have magnetic field?
From the electromagnetic point of view, light is an oscillating magnetic field that creates an oscillating electric field, that creates an oscillating magnetic field, etc. This is called "propogation".
 

1. What is light composed of?

Light is composed of electromagnetic radiation, which consists of electric and magnetic fields that oscillate perpendicular to each other and travel in a straight line.

2. What are the primary colors of light?

The primary colors of light are red, green, and blue. These colors are often referred to as the RGB colors and can be combined to create any other color in the visible spectrum.

3. What is the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, or 186,282 miles per second. This is considered to be the fastest speed that anything can travel in the universe.

4. How does light travel?

Light travels in a straight line, known as a ray. It can also be described as a wave, as it exhibits properties of both particles and waves.

5. What are the units used to measure light?

The units used to measure light include wavelength (in meters or nanometers), frequency (in Hertz), and energy (in Joules or electron volts). Other units such as candela and lux are used to measure the intensity or brightness of light.

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