What is the difference between monochromatic and polychromatic light?

Monochromatic light is defined as light that consists of a single wavelength or frequency. This means it presents a uniform color, as all the light waves emitted are in phase with one another and have the same energy. An example of monochromatic light would be the light emitted from a laser, which produces a very specific color.

In contrast, polychromatic light encompasses a mixture of multiple wavelengths or colors. Natural sunlight is a prime example of polychromatic light, as it contains a broad spectrum of colors that can be separated into a rainbow through a prism. The distinction between these two types of light is critical in various applications, such as in optics experiments, color theory, and the understanding of light-matter interactions.

Understanding these definitions helps in grasping concepts about how light behaves with different materials and how it can be manipulated in optical devices and technologies.