Visible Light

Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Properties of Visible Light

• Wavelength: Visible light has wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. Different wavelengths of visible light correspond to different colors, with shorter wavelengths appearing blue and longer wavelengths appearing red.
• Speed: Visible light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum.
• Reflection and Refraction: Visible light can be reflected and refracted when it encounters different surfaces and mediums.
• Visible Spectrum: The visible spectrum is the range of colors that can be produced by the separation of white light through a prism, ranging from violet to red.

Uses of Visible Light

Visible light has various practical applications, including:

• Providing illumination for everyday activities
• Enabling vision in humans and other animals
• Photography and cinematography
• Optical communication technologies, such as fiber optics

Study Guide

To understand visible light, it's important to explore its properties, interactions, and practical uses. Study the following topics:

1. The electromagnetic spectrum and the position of visible light within it.
2. The relationship between wavelength and color in the visible spectrum.
3. How light interacts with different surfaces and mediums through reflection and refraction.
4. Real-world applications of visible light in daily life and various technologies.

[Visible Light] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• LightScience • Eighth Grade