Light: Waves or Particles? We all know that light has wave properties and particle properties, so we don't give light a specific category. If you had to pick, what would you pick and why? I know...
We all know that light has wave properties and particle properties, so we don't give light a specific category. If you had to pick, what would you pick and why? I know this controversial but the whole point of this discussion is to see how many waves one property leads over the other and vice versa.
4 Answers
bandmanjoe | Middle School Teacher | (Level 2) Senior Educator
I have always heard light defined as electromagnetic waves. That is what we teach at the middle school curriculum level. But I also understand light has been defined by a particle theory as well. I think it may very well be one of those nebulous areas where it will be subject to change as the debate wears on and evidence is provided to substantiate.
astrosonuthird | Student, Kindergarten | (Level 1) Valedictorian
Light contains particles known as photon. These particles are electromagnetic partcles (waves) so light can be both defined as waves or particles.
vikas-reddy | Student, Undergraduate | (Level 1) eNoter
As said above light is an electro magnet wave.
it's motion is in the form of wave but the energy transmission is in the form of particles called quanta.
thus it has dual nature that is wave and particle nature..
najm1947 | Elementary School Teacher | (Level 1) Valedictorian
I think the quantum theory explains both - it is the beauty of science that we are never sure of any thing in its completeness and theories are always susceptible to change/modification or rejection.