Chapter 27, Problem 1CQ

What type of experimental evidence indicates that light is a wave?

To determine

The experimental evidence which indicates that light is a wave.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Experiments on interference and diffraction proves that light is a wave.

Explanation of Solution

Experiments on interference and diffraction reveal that light is a wave. The phenomenon polarization

shows that light is a transverse wave. Superposition of two or more waves traveling in the same or opposite

direction is called interference. The bending of waves around the edges of an obstacle is called diffraction.

So, interference and diffraction are properties of waves. Therefore, experiments on interference and

diffraction of light shows that light is a wave.

Conclusion:

Experiments on interference and diffraction prove that light is a wave.