wave theory of light
E39346
The wave theory of light is the scientific model that explains light as a propagating wave, accounting for phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarization.
Statements (49)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
optics theory
→
physical theory → scientific model → |
| appliesTo |
electromagnetic radiation in general
→
infrared radiation → ultraviolet radiation → visible light → |
| assumes |
light propagates through space as a wave
→
|
| basedOn |
Huygens' principle
→
|
| contrastsWith |
corpuscular theory of light
→
particle theory of light → |
| describes |
light as a wave
→
|
| explains |
Huygens–Fresnel principle phenomena
→
Young's double-slit experiment → birefringence → diffraction gratings behavior → diffraction of light → interference of light → optical coherence phenomena → polarization of light → reflection of light → refraction of light → thin-film interference → |
| extendedBy |
quantum theory of light
→
wave–particle duality concept → |
| field |
optics
→
physics → |
| historicalOpponent |
Isaac Newton's corpuscular theory
→
|
| historicalProponent |
Augustin-Jean Fresnel
→
Christiaan Huygens → James Clerk Maxwell → Thomas Young → |
| influenced |
development of classical electromagnetism
→
development of physical optics → |
| limitedBy |
inability to explain blackbody radiation spectrum
→
inability to explain photoelectric effect → |
| precedes |
electromagnetic theory of light
→
|
| predicts |
constructive interference
→
destructive interference → diffraction patterns → intensity distribution in interference fringes → polarization states → |
| relatedTo |
Maxwell's equations
→
electromagnetic wave → |
| supports |
superposition principle for light waves
→
wavefront description of light propagation → |
| timePeriod |
17th century
→
18th century → 19th century → |
Referenced by (1)
| Subject (surface form when different) | Predicate |
|---|---|
|
Augustin-Jean Fresnel
→
|
knownFor |