What is a characteristic of ordinary light?

What is a characteristic of ordinary light?

• A. It is coherent.
• B. It has a specific wavelength.
• C. It is non-specific in wavelength.
• D. It is polarized.

Answer: (C)

Ordinary light is characterized by being non-specific in wavelength, meaning it consists of a broad range of wavelengths across the visible spectrum, rather than being confined to a single wavelength or a narrow band. This broad spectrum can include various colors, which is why when white light passes through a prism, it disperses into a range of colors. This characteristic contrasts with coherent light, like that from lasers, which has a very specific wavelength and is produced in a more organized manner, leading to unique properties such as focused beams and the ability to maintain phase relationships over distances. Ordinary light, on the other hand, does not exhibit these properties and is often referred to as incoherent light. Therefore, the defining quality of ordinary light's broad spectrum is reflected in its non-specificity in wavelength.

Ordinary light is characterized by being non-specific in wavelength, meaning it consists of a broad range of wavelengths across the visible spectrum, rather than being confined to a single wavelength or a narrow band. This broad spectrum can include various colors, which is why when white light passes through a prism, it disperses into a range of colors.

This characteristic contrasts with coherent light, like that from lasers, which has a very specific wavelength and is produced in a more organized manner, leading to unique properties such as focused beams and the ability to maintain phase relationships over distances. Ordinary light, on the other hand, does not exhibit these properties and is often referred to as incoherent light. Therefore, the defining quality of ordinary light's broad spectrum is reflected in its non-specificity in wavelength.