What are the characteristics of light and how does it normally behave?

Light is an electromagnetic wave that exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, a concept known as wave-particle duality. It travels in straight lines at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum and can be reflected, refracted, and diffracted when it encounters different mediums. Light also exhibits a spectrum of colors, which corresponds to different wavelengths, and can interact with matter through absorption and transmission. In general, light behaves predictably according to the laws of physics, but its interactions can produce various optical phenomena.