Question

Who proposed the wave theory of light?

Answer 1

Hint:Sir Isaac Newton proposed the theory of particle nature of light. In 1678, a scientist proposed that the light has wave nature. The wave nature of light is proved correct for many concepts and laws.

Complete step-by-step solution:
In the late 17th century, the scientists began to discover the properties of light. Sir Isaac Newton proposed that light was made of tiny particles and the theory based on his idea is known as the particle theory given by Sir Isaac Newton. But in 1678, Christian Huygens proposed that light was made of waves which propagates perpendicular to their direction of movement.
Huygens proposed that each and every point which is met by a luminous disturbance turns into a source of spherical waves itself. In this way the secondary waves start propagating from the new source of light. The sum of the secondary waves determines the form of the new wave.
On the basis of his principle, Huygens successfully derived the laws of reflection of light and refraction of light. He also succeeded in explaining the linear and spherical propagation of light using his theory. His theory fails in the explanation of diffraction of light. But later Thomas Young conducted an experiment for the interference of light which proves that Huygens wave theory of light is correct and applicable for many laws and concepts.
Later in 1905 Einstein proposed that light has the characteristics of both particles as well as waves.
Quantum Mechanics give proof of the dual nature of light so light has both natures that is light behaves as a particle in some situations and as the wave in some situations.

Note:- In this question, we have to keep in mind about the theories related to light. Newton had given the particle theory of light. Huygens gave the wave theory of light. Young proved that the wave theory is correct for interference. Planck suggested that the light is made of photons. Einstein suggested that light has dual nature (wave and particle). De-Broglie gave a formula for the wavelength of light.