The wave nature of light is a fundamental concept in physics, and it is demonstrated through various phenomena. One of the most classic examples of the wave nature of light is interference. Interference occurs when two or more light waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern. This phenomenon can be observed in experiments such as the double-slit experiment, where light passing through two closely spaced slits creates an interference pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen. This pattern arises because the light waves from the two slits interfere constructively (bright fringes) or destructively (dark fringes) depending on the phase difference between them.

Another example of the wave nature of light is diffraction, which occurs when light waves bend around obstacles or pass through narrow openings. For instance, when light passes through a single slit, it spreads out and creates a diffraction pattern on a screen. This bending and spreading of light are characteristic of wave behavior.

Additionally, polarization is another phenomenon that highlights the wave nature of light. Light waves are transverse waves, meaning their oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Polarization refers to the orientation of these oscillations, and it can be demonstrated using polarizing filters, which allow only light waves oscillating in a specific direction to pass through.

These examples—interference, diffraction, and polarization—are all evidence of light's wave-like behavior, as described by the wave theory of light. This theory contrasts with the particle nature of light, which is demonstrated in phenomena like the photoelectric effect. Together, these dual aspects form the basis of the wave-particle duality of light in quantum mechanics.