Light: Difference between revisions
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Light, on a scientific level, can be defined by an amount of electromagnetic radiation given off by an electron within an atom that, having gained energy, returns from a higher valance level to it's natural level. The emission of the excess energy by the return to the lower valence shell produces this electromagnetic radiation. Upon the return to the natural level, a photon is emitted by the electron with very specific properties. Those observable properties determine the qualitative properties of the light. | Light, on a scientific level, can be defined by an amount of electromagnetic radiation given off by an electron within an atom that, having gained energy, returns from a higher valance level to it's natural level. The emission of the excess energy by the return to the lower valence shell produces this electromagnetic radiation. Upon the return to the natural level, a photon is emitted by the electron with very specific properties. Those observable properties determine the qualitative properties of the light. | ||
The | Although it is known that light has a finite speed, light exhibits behavior that of both waves and particles. The behaviors of light can generally be classified into four categories: | ||
* refraction | * refraction | ||
* reflection | * reflection | ||
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Refraction occurs when the speed of light is reduced at the point of intersection between light and another medium. | Refraction occurs when the speed of light is reduced at the point of intersection between light and another medium. | ||
Reflection happens when light is transmitted to a medium, and instead of changing the speed of light, merely returns the light at the same angle with the same amount of energy. | Reflection happens when light is transmitted to a medium, and instead of changing the speed of light, merely returns the light at the same angle with the same amount of energy. In this sense, it exhibits the same behaviors of particles. | ||
Diffraction is the | Diffraction is the visual appearance of light changing shape in accordance with obstacles in its direct path. When light is projected to a plane that has only a small opening for light to pass through, the location at which light is allowed to continue can be identified as a single point source of light. This single point does not limit the projection to only the shape of the point; rather it is re-emitted in the widest possible scope. | ||
Revision as of 13:51, 6 June 2007
Light, on a scientific level, can be defined by an amount of electromagnetic radiation given off by an electron within an atom that, having gained energy, returns from a higher valance level to it's natural level. The emission of the excess energy by the return to the lower valence shell produces this electromagnetic radiation. Upon the return to the natural level, a photon is emitted by the electron with very specific properties. Those observable properties determine the qualitative properties of the light.
Although it is known that light has a finite speed, light exhibits behavior that of both waves and particles. The behaviors of light can generally be classified into four categories:
- refraction
- reflection
- interference
- diffraction
Refraction occurs when the speed of light is reduced at the point of intersection between light and another medium.
Reflection happens when light is transmitted to a medium, and instead of changing the speed of light, merely returns the light at the same angle with the same amount of energy. In this sense, it exhibits the same behaviors of particles.
Diffraction is the visual appearance of light changing shape in accordance with obstacles in its direct path. When light is projected to a plane that has only a small opening for light to pass through, the location at which light is allowed to continue can be identified as a single point source of light. This single point does not limit the projection to only the shape of the point; rather it is re-emitted in the widest possible scope.