Light travels as electromagnetic radiation in the form of waves and particles called photons. It moves as a transverse wave, meaning the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel. Unlike sound waves, light does not require a medium and can travel through the vacuum of space
. Light travels in straight lines called rays, which explains why shadows form when an opaque object blocks the light. These rays do not curve around corners but can be reflected, absorbed, or refracted when they encounter different materials
. The speed of light in a vacuum is a universal constant, approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (about 186,000 miles per second). This speed is fundamental in physics and is related to the electric and magnetic properties of the vacuum as described by Maxwell's equations
. From a quantum perspective, light behaves both as a wave and as a particle (photon). Photons are massless particles that travel at the speed of light. Their wave-particle duality means light exhibits properties of both waves (interference, diffraction) and particles (discrete impacts)
. In summary:
- Light travels as electromagnetic waves and as photons (particles).
- It moves in straight lines (rays) through space or transparent materials.
- It does not need a medium and can travel through a vacuum.
- Its speed in vacuum is about 299,792,458 m/s.
- Light can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed depending on the material it encounters.
- Quantum theory explains light’s dual nature and constant speed
This combination of classical wave behavior and quantum particle nature defines how light travels.
