The document discusses the nature and properties of light. It covers early theories on light as particles (Newton) and waves (Huygens). Maxwell's electromagnetic theory unified electricity, magnetism and light. The electromagnetic spectrum is introduced. Common light sources include the sun and artificial lamps. Materials can transmit, scatter, or absorb light depending on whether they are transparent, translucent, or opaque. Light interacts with materials through reflection, absorption, refraction, polarization and scattering. Key characteristics of light discussed are brightness, which depends on source and distance, and luminous intensity measured in candelas.