In a light wave, the wave itself is composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. These fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction in which the wave is moving, forming electromagnetic waves.
The oscillation of the electric and magnetic fields in a light wave occurs in a coordinated manner, with changes in one field inducing changes in the other. These fields interact and reinforce each other as they propagate through space.
Light waves are a specific type of electromagnetic waves, and their behavior can be described by properties such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The wavelength of a light wave refers to the distance between two consecutive points of the wave that are in phase, such as two consecutive peaks or troughs. Frequency, measured in hertz (Hz), represents the number of complete cycles (wavelengths) of the wave that pass a given point in one second. Amplitude relates to the intensity or magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields, determining the brightness or energy of the light wave.
It's important to note that light waves can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like characteristics, known as the wave-particle duality of light. This duality is described by quantum mechanics and is the basis for understanding phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and the photoelectric effect.