How is light typically measured in physics?

Light is typically measured in terms of its wavelength because wavelength is a fundamental characteristic of electromagnetic waves, including light. Wavelength represents the distance between consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave and is commonly expressed in nanometers (nm) or micrometers (µm) for visible light. This measurement helps in identifying different colors of light; for example, visible light spans the wavelengths from about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).

In the context of physics, measuring light through wavelength is essential for understanding various phenomena, including how light interacts with matter, its speed in different media, and its behavior in various optical settings, such as lenses and prisms. Wavelength is directly linked to the energy of the photons of light, making it a crucial parameter in fields such as optics, photonics, and quantum mechanics. Through the concept of wavelength, much of the behavior of light can be explained, making it a central measurement in the study of light and its properties.