Visible light

Definition

Visible light is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, encompassing wavelengths from approximately 380 nm to 750 nm. It is responsible for the perception of colors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Visible light falls between ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. The speed of visible light in a vacuum is approximately $3 \times 10^8$ meters per second.
3. Photons in the visible light range have energies between roughly 1.65 eV and 3.26 eV.
4. The color of visible light is determined by its wavelength, with violet having the shortest wavelength and red having the longest.
5. Visible light can be dispersed into its component colors using a prism, demonstrating its wave nature.

Review Questions

• What range of wavelengths does visible light encompass?
• How does the energy of photons in the visible spectrum compare to those in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum?
• What physical principle allows a prism to disperse visible light into its component colors?

Related terms

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, including visible light.

Photon: A particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation, carrying energy proportional to its frequency.

Wavelength:

$\text{Wavelength} (\lambda)$ is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.