The velocity of the light wave also depends on the properties of the medium, such as, glass, in which it is traveling. The problem has been that light can travel in space where, apparently, there is no medium.

Is it possible that the medium in outer space is not made up of atoms and molecules, but it is made up of the “field” that exists within an atom and outside?

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Question

The velocity of the light wave also depends on the properties of the medium, such as, glass, in which it is traveling. The problem has been that light can travel in space where, apparently, there is no medium.

Is it possible that the medium in outer space is not made up of atoms and molecules, but it is made up of the “field” that exists within an atom and outside?

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ybarrap · Answer

light is transmitted via induction. An changing electric field induces a magnetic field. In turn, a changing magnetic field induces an electric field. Light travels in space perpendicular to these induced fields. 

Light can travel in a vacuum. Light has different properties in different media and for different frequencies of light, but the medium consisting of particles is not required for the transmission of light.

ybarrap · Answer

|dw:1389550522197:dw| The principles of light propagating through space can be understood using Maxwell's equations. Here is a better drawing of this process: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%27s_equations#Vacuum_equations.2C_electromagnetic_waves_and_speed_of_light Note that the permittivity and permeability constants, which determine how electric fields and magnetic fields are affected by the medium, also determine how light refracts in these media and allowed Maxwell the mid 1800's to predict the speed of light -- not only in these media but in a vacuum, that is in free space!