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The Nature of Light: Waves and Particles

The Nature of Light: Waves and Particles

Light isn’t just one thing. Sometimes it acts like a wave, spreading out and interfering with itself. Other times, it behaves like a particle, hitting objects in single bursts. This strange mix is known as the light wave particle nature of light.

The Nature of Light: Waves and Particles
By Alan Lloyd

Scientists call this the dual nature of light, and it’s been puzzling people for centuries. Experiments show that light has wave particle duality—it can bend like a wave but also collide like a particle. This behaviour helps explain everyday things like colour, shadows, and even why solar panels work. It also leads us into quantum physics.

When you understand how light works, you’re really learning how the universe works on a deeper level. From lasers to rainbows to telescopes, it’s all connected. The study of photon behaviour is key to modern science and future tech. So let’s explore what makes light so weird—and so important.


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