👉 White light, often perceived as a single, unified phenomenon, is actually composed of various wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, each corresponding to different colors. At its core, white light consists of light particles known as photons, which are fundamental quanta of light. These photons travel at the speed of light in a vacuum and carry energy proportional to their frequency, as described by Planck's equation. When white light passes through a prism or other dispersive medium, it separates into its constituent colors because different wavelengths are refracted by different amounts, a process known as dispersion. Each color, from red to violet, can be thought of as a distinct wavelength of light. Despite the complexity of its composition, white light is often described as having no intrinsic color, but rather as a blend of all visible wavelengths. This unique property allows white light to illuminate surfaces and support various optical phenomena, from simple reflection to complex interactions in prisms and lenses.
