Visible Light

Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is a small portion 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 as violet or blue, and longer wavelengths appearing as red.
• Speed: In a vacuum, visible light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second.
• Behavior: Visible light can be reflected, refracted, and dispersed. These properties are the basis for how we perceive and interact with light in our everyday lives.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to understand about visible light:

1. What is visible light and where does it fall on the electromagnetic spectrum?
2. What are the different colors of visible light and how do they correspond to different wavelengths?
3. How does visible light behave when it encounters different materials, such as mirrors, lenses, and prisms?
4. What is the speed of light and how does it compare to other forms of electromagnetic radiation?
5. How does the human eye perceive and interpret visible light?

Understanding visible light is important for comprehending the world around us, as well as for technological applications such as optics, photography, and communications.

[Visible Light] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• LightScience • Eighth Grade