How Does Light Actually Work?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, consisting of tiny, discrete packets of energy called photons. These photons travel through space at the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. Light waves can be characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and amplitude. Frequency refers to the number of oscillations or waves that occur in a given amount of time, measured in hertz (Hz). Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave, measured in meters. Amplitude represents the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position. The interaction of light with matter can result in various phenomena, such as absorption, reflection, refraction, dispersion, and interference, which are fundamental to many optical technologies and applications.