Q:
Who Discovered Light?
A:
Quick Answer
Even though light has been visible to humans for thousands of years, it was Sir Isaac Newton who managed to understand what light consists of. Newton was the first person to realize that white light consists of a mix of light rays of various colors.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Howard Lake
CC-BY-SA 2.0
Full Answer
Newton began his experiments about light in 1662. Other scientists had been interested in deciphering the phenomenon, but none of them managed to come up with an explanation. Francesco Maria Grimaldi, a Jesuit priest, was another pioneer in the study of light. He conducted several experiments and coined the term "diffraction," which is still used today.
Learn more about Optics & WavesRelated Questions
-
Q:
When Did Newton Discover Gravity?
A: Sir Isaac Newton published his theory of gravitation in 1687 in a book known as the "Principia." Newton built upon the discoveries of previous scientists, ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Honors Did Sir Isaac Newton Get?
A: Sir Isaac Newton received several honors including knighthood, the consideration as the top mathematics professor at Cambridge, a seat in Parliament and th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is Ultraviolet Light?
A: Ultraviolet light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans cannot see. It is composed of shorter wave lengths than visible light and lies beyo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Who Discovered Mercury and When Was It Discovered?
A: Mercury is visible with the naked eye, hence ancient astronomers knew of its existence thousands of years ago. No single person is credited for discovering... Full Answer >Filed Under:
