corpuscular theory

The corpuscular theory of light suggests that light is made up of tiny particles called corpuscles. According to this idea, these particles travel in straight lines, which explains light’s ability to reflect and travel through space. The theory, proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, contrasts with wave theories by treating light as discrete particles rather than a continuous wave. While modern physics favors wave or quantum models, the corpuscular theory helped explain phenomena like reflection and refraction in its time. It remains historically significant as a stepping stone toward our current understanding of light's dual wave-particle nature.