What does a wavefunction describe in relation to light?

A wavefunction is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that encapsulates all the information about a quantum system, including particles such as photons, which are the quantum particles of light. The wavefunction describes not only the potential positions of a particle but also its wave-like behaviors, such as interference and diffraction. In the case of light, it allows us to understand how photons can exist in superpositions of different states, leading to the wave-like phenomena that light exhibits.

This description is essential because it goes beyond traditional wave concepts and incorporates quantum mechanics, where particles can display both particle-like and wave-like characteristics. The wavefunction helps predict the probability distributions of various particle attributes, such as position and momentum, thereby relating directly to the behavior of light at a quantum level. This relationship is critical for understanding phenomena such as quantum interference and entanglement in light, which are described by the wavefunction.

The other options focus on distinct aspects of light behavior but do not capture the comprehensive quantum nature represented by the wavefunction. Understanding the wavefunction provides deeper insights into the complexities of light as it operates under quantum mechanical principles.