If light waves were infinitely long, it would mean that the wavelength of light approaches infinity, implying that the frequency of light approaches zero. In practical terms, this would correspond to light waves with extremely low frequencies.
The behavior and properties of light waves are directly related to their wavelength and frequency. Here are a few consequences if light waves were infinitely long:
Extremely low energy: The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency (E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency). With the frequency approaching zero, the energy of the light waves would also approach zero. This would result in extremely low-energy light.
Redshift: The frequency of light waves determines their color. As the frequency approaches zero, the light would appear extremely redshifted. Redshift is a phenomenon where light waves are stretched, causing a shift towards longer wavelengths. In this case, the light would be heavily redshifted towards the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Diffraction and wave behavior: Light waves with extremely long wavelengths would exhibit significant diffraction and wave-like behavior. Diffraction refers to the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles or through small openings. Since the wavelength would be infinitely long, even small obstructions or apertures would cause significant diffraction effects, leading to the spreading of light.
Poor resolution: Light waves with infinitely long wavelengths would have poor resolution capabilities. This is because resolution is directly related to the wavelength of light. With infinitely long wavelengths, it would be challenging to obtain detailed or fine-resolution images.
Limited interaction: Light interacts with matter differently depending on its wavelength. With infinitely long wavelengths, the interaction between light and matter would be limited. For example, materials that typically absorb or scatter visible light may be more transparent or less reactive to light with infinitely long wavelengths.
It's important to note that light waves with infinitely long wavelengths are purely hypothetical, as light in our physical world exists within a finite range of wavelengths.