Light is just one form of electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic waves. These waves are all around us and come in many sizes. The largest electromagnetic waves, with wavelengths from a few centimeters to over 100 meters are called radio waves.
Simply stated, light is nature's way of transferring energy through space. We can complicate it by talking about interacting electric and magnetic fields, quantum mechanics, and all of that, but just remember-- light is energy. Light travels very rapidly, but it does have a finite velocity.
In plain terms, electromagnetic waves are simply known as light, though the term light is sometimes used to specify visible light (that which can be detected by the eye), and other times is used more generally to refer to all forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Light, visible light, or visible radiation is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. [1][2] Visible light spans the visible spectrum and is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 terahertz.
Light is a primary tool for perceiving the world and interacting with it for many organisms. Light from the Sun warms the Earth, drives global weather patterns, and initiates the life-sustaining process of photosynthesis; about 10 22 joules of solar radiant energy reach Earth each day.
And what are some of the common properties of light, such as absorption, reflection, refraction and diffraction? You might think scientists know all the answers, but light continues to surprise them.
In common usage, the term light (or visible light) refers to electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that is visible to the human eye (about 400–700 nanometers (nm) (15.7-27.6 millionths of an inch)).