Light Facts by Eleanor Hawking

Light, the cornerstone of vision and color, is explored in "Light Facts", which reveals the science governing its behavior and interactions. Light exhibits a fascinating wave-particle duality, acting as both a wave and a stream of particles called photons. This book sheds light (pun intended!) on how understanding light is fundamental, underpinning technologies like lasers and fiber optics, and informing our understanding of the universe.

The book journeys from historical theories to modern quantum electrodynamics, requiring no prior physics knowledge. It highlights intriguing aspects such as diffraction, interference, and the photoelectric effect, demonstrating light's wave-like and particle-like behaviors. Furthermore, it explores how light interacts with matter, giving rise to color and optical properties, and culminates in an analysis of lasers and vision, connecting physics with biology and chemistry. "Light Facts" stands out by balancing wave and particle perspectives, using experimental evidence and real-world applications.

Progressing through three sections, it first introduces wave-particle duality, then examines light's interaction with matter, and finally explores human perception of light and color. The approach makes complex concepts accessible to a broad audience, including students, amateur astronomers, and anyone curious about the physical world.