Since space is a vacuum and light is a wave (as well as a particle) how can light "waves" travel through a void if there is no mass to prppagate the wave?
2007-02-05 10:33:14 · 9 answers · asked by barefoot_always 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
light is a electromagnetic wave, only mechanical waves require a medium or field to pass through, like sound, but electromagnetic waves like light does not require a medium or field to travel through that is why light can travel through space, although there are theories that black holes are strong enough to suck the light in
2007-02-05 10:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by tonyma90 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because light is in the form of a wave function. As confusing as it seems light can exhibit the properties of both wave AND particle functions. As a wave function is massless, it travels though a vacuum with no resistance to its motion. A wave that needs propagation for its existence is mass taking the physical appearance of a standing wave, and usually the additional energy is to counter the effects of either friction or gravity. Light traveling in a vacuum is lossless and as such requires no propagation.
2007-02-05 10:50:57 · answer #2 · answered by Larry L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm lets see if I can explain this.
As you know light is a wave. All waves are traveling energy, and are usually, but not always, moving through some medium, such as water. A water wave consists of water molecules that vibrate up and down. One key point to keep in mind about the water wave is that it is not made up of water: The wave is made up of energy traveling through the water. If a wave moves across a pool from left to right, the water itself has actually stayed about where it was. It is the wave that has moved.
Light waves are similar, but they do not need a medium to travel through. As you said they can travel through a vacuum. A light wave consists of energy in the form of electric and magnetic fields. Unlike the water wave, electric and magnetic waves do not need a medium to transfer energy across a given space.
2007-02-05 10:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by Donatello 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It moves as a photon particle. Being void of mass allows light to travel at top speed. If there is mass, it will interfere with the light, and it will slow down the speed. The speed of light is fastest thru a vaccum.
2007-02-05 10:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space is not a vacum. It has been shown that there is no such thing as an absolute vacum. There is something called background radiation and possibly an either. More information could lead to controversey as opposed to actual answers.
2007-02-05 10:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not understand what a photon is, yet i understand that mild travels by the vacuum of area via radiation. the mild rays do not commute particle to particle yet as a change commute as a radiation wave (imagine squiggly line form element). The physics in the back of the wave is a complicated blend of magnetic fields and electric powered fields that make it paintings, yet basically its a wavelength of sunshine that does no longer favor debris to commute - referred to as radiation :P
2016-11-02 10:19:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, matter seems to inhibit the propogation of light waves. That's why sunsets and sunrises are not blue.
2007-02-05 10:39:56 · answer #7 · answered by arensclan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When light hits masses it stops, so if space had mass light would hit it and be distorted
2007-02-05 10:38:15 · answer #8 · answered by J R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
light is energy.is a kind of vawe that doesn't need anything (substanc or material)to trancfer.
2007-02-05 10:50:48 · answer #9 · answered by legolas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋