Light is essential for life on Earth, and its study, known as optics, helps us understand how light behaves and interacts with matter. Optical phenomena like reflection, refraction, and dispersion explain why we see rainbows and why objects appear differently in water. The development of lenses, from simple magnifying glasses to complex telescopes, has expanded our ability to observe the world around us.
In addition to visible light, the study of optics also includes infrared, ultraviolet, and X-rays. These types of light are invisible to the human eye but have important applications in fields like medicine, communications, and astronomy. Optical technologies, such as fiber optics, continue to revolutionize industries, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission.