Who is known as the “Father of Optics”?

Q: Who is known as the “Father of Optics”?

Ibn al-Haytham - Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040), also known as Alhazen, is celebrated as the “Father of Optics” for his pioneering contributions to the study of light, vision, and optical phenomena. He was a mathematician, astronomer, and physicist whose research laid the foundation for modern optics and experimental science. Ibn al-Haytham’s most famous work, Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), systematically explained how light travels, reflects, and refracts. He rejected earlier Greek theories, such as the idea that vision occurs because the eyes emit rays. Instead, he correctly proposed that vision occurs when light enters the eyes from external sources, demonstrating a more accurate understanding of how humans see. He studied the behavior of lenses, mirrors, and shadows, and his work explained optical illusions, refraction, and the principles behind telescopes and microscopes. Ibn al-Haytham also developed methods for experimentation and observation, emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, which influenced the scientific method centuries later. Other options in the question are incorrect: Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna) was a great philosopher and physician but not specifically credited with founding optics. Al-Kindi contributed to philosophy and mathematics, not optics. Al-Biruni made significant contributions to astronomy and geography, but optics was not his primary field. Understanding Ibn al-Haytham’s work is essential in Everyday Science, as his discoveries form the basis for modern vision science, photography, microscopes, cameras, and optical instruments. His work continues to inspire students and scientists in physics, engineering, and medicine. In summary, the correct answer is Ibn al-Haytham, the Father of Optics, whose research on light and vision remains a cornerstone of scientific knowledge.

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Accepted Answer

Ibn al-Haytham - Ibn al-Haytham (965&ndash;1040), also known as Alhazen, is celebrated as the &ldquo;Father of Optics&rdquo; for his pioneering contributions to the study of light, vision, and optical phenomena. He was a mathematician, astronomer, and physicist whose research laid the foundation for modern optics and experimental science.
Ibn al-Haytham&rsquo;s most famous work, Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), systematically explained how light travels, reflects, and refracts. He rejected earlier Greek theories, such as the idea that vision occurs because the eyes emit rays. Instead, he correctly proposed that vision occurs when light enters the eyes from external sources, demonstrating a more accurate understanding of how humans see.
He studied the behavior of lenses, mirrors, and shadows, and his work explained optical illusions, refraction, and the principles behind telescopes and microscopes. Ibn al-Haytham also developed methods for experimentation and observation, emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, which influenced the scientific method centuries later.
Other options in the question are incorrect:


Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna) was a great philosopher and physician but not specifically credited with founding optics.


Al-Kindi contributed to philosophy and mathematics, not optics.


Al-Biruni made significant contributions to astronomy and geography, but optics was not his primary field.


Understanding Ibn al-Haytham&rsquo;s work is essential in Everyday Science, as his discoveries form the basis for modern vision science, photography, microscopes, cameras, and optical instruments. His work continues to inspire students and scientists in physics, engineering, and medicine.
In summary, the correct answer is Ibn al-Haytham, the Father of Optics, whose research on light and vision remains a cornerstone of scientific knowledge.

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