Light waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye. They travel in straight lines and can move through various mediums, such as air, water, and glass. Light waves are characterized by their wavelength, which determines their color, and their frequency, which relates to their energy. These waves can exhibit behaviors like reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, while refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. Diffraction involves the spreading of light waves when they encounter an obstacle or opening.