History of the Theories of Light

Particle Theory of Light

Jan 1, 1671

Newton's Particle Theory of Light

History of the Theories of Light

Period: Jan 1, 1671 to Dec 31, 1905

A graphical view of the emergence of the theories of light.

Wave Theory of Light

Jan 1, 1678

Hugyens proposes that light is a wave

Defraction Experiment

Jan 1, 1802

Young provides proof that light behaves like a wave

A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field

Jan 1, 1865

Maxwell proposes light is a special wave called the electromagnetic wave

Proof of Elctromagnetic Waves

Jan 1, 1887

Hertz provides proof of the existence of elctromagnetic wave

X-ray

Jan 1, 1895

Roentgen produced X-rays

Light as a special particle

Jan 1, 1900

Max Planck theorizes light is a special particle

Photon Model

Jan 1, 1905

Einstein proposed the Photon Model of light particle/wave duality