The Particle Theory of Light

The Particle Theory of Light suggests that light is made up of tiny, tiny particles called photons. These particles travel in straight lines at a constant speed and can bounce off surfaces (reflection), scatter in different directions (diffraction), or be absorbed. This theory helps explain phenomena like shadows and the way light interacts with matter. While it offers a straightforward way to understand light's behavior, it was later supplemented by the Wave Theory, which explains properties like interference and diffraction more fully. Nonetheless, the particle perspective remains fundamental to modern physics, especially in quantum mechanics.