The main source of natural light on Earth is the Sun. Historically, another important source of light for humans has been fire, from ancient campfires to modern kerosene lamps. With the development of electric lights and power systems, electric lighting has effectively replaced firelight.

Understanding the Context

Light: Science and Applications is an open access journal that publishes the highest quality articles in basic and applied optics and photonics. Light is electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation occurs over an extremely wide range of wavelengths, from gamma rays with wavelengths less than about 1 ร— 10 โˆ’11 metres to radio waves measured in metres. Light is a transverse, electromagnetic wave that can be seen by the typical human.

Key Insights

The wave nature of light was first illustrated through experiments on diffraction and interference. Electromagnetic radiation is one of the many ways that energy travels through space. The heat from a burning fire, the light from the sun, the X-rays used by your doctor, as well as the energy used to cook food in a microwave are all forms of electromagnetic radiation. Light is just one form of electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic waves. These waves are all around us and come in many sizes.

Final Thoughts

The largest electromagnetic waves, with wavelengths from a few centimeters to over 100 meters are called radio waves. The study of light and its interaction with matter is termed optics. The observation and study of optical phenomena such as rainbows and the aurora borealis offer many clues about the nature of light as well as much enjoyment. Learn the definition of lumens, the difference between lumens vs. watts, easy to ready lumens chart, new light bulb laws and more at Lumens.