Properties of light energy
frequency, wavelength, inteneity, wave speed, polarization, coherence.
If you want to know what those terms mean, you will need to do some more homework.
I meant to write "intensity", which is the power passing through a given area per time, as electromagnetic radiation. It is also called radiance or irradiance, and varies with location and direction. Sometimes "light" refers only to visible radiation, and is measured in lumens, the definition of which depends upon the human eye response function.
For a better tutorial at your grade level, uses Google.com with the words "what is light"
Light energy, also known as electromagnetic radiation, exhibits several fundamental properties that help to define its characteristics. Here are some of the key properties of light energy:
1. Wavelength: Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a light wave. It is denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is typically measured in units like nanometers (nm) or angstroms (Å). The range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum is vast, ranging from long radio waves to shorter gamma rays.
2. Frequency: Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a given point in one second and is denoted by the Greek letter nu (ν). It is measured in hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz represents one cycle per second. The frequency of light is inversely proportional to its wavelength.
3. Speed: The speed of light, denoted by the letter "c," is a constant in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. In other media, such as air or water, the speed of light is slightly slower.
4. Particle-Wave Duality: Light exhibits properties of both particles and waves, known as wave-particle duality. This phenomenon is described by quantum mechanics. Under certain conditions, light behaves like waves, with interference and diffraction patterns. Other times, light acts as discrete particles, known as photons, which carry energy and momentum.
5. Polarization: Light waves can be polarized in a particular direction. Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector associated with the light wave. Light can be unpolarized, linearly polarized (vibrating in a single plane), or circularly polarized (rotating in a circular motion).
6. Absorption, Reflection, and Transmission: When light interacts with matter, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. Absorption occurs when light energy is absorbed by an object and converted into other forms of energy, like heat. Reflection involves the bouncing of light waves off a surface. Transmission refers to the passing of light through an object without significant absorption or reflection.
These properties of light energy form the basis for our understanding of how light behaves and interacts with the world around us.