Visible light

Definition

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is detectable by the human eye, with wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. It plays a crucial role in various physical phenomena, including optics and thermodynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Visible light consists of multiple colors, each corresponding to a different wavelength within the 400-700 nm range.
2. The speed of visible light in a vacuum is approximately $3 \times 10^8$ meters per second (the speed of light).
3. Visible light can be dispersed into its constituent colors using a prism, demonstrating its wave nature.
4. Photons in visible light carry energy proportional to their frequency, as described by $E = hf$, where $h$ is Planck's constant and $f$ is frequency.
5. In thermodynamics, visible light contributes to radiant heat transfer and plays a role in blackbody radiation.

Review Questions

• What is the wavelength range of visible light?
• How does visible light demonstrate both wave and particle properties?
• What equation relates the energy of photons in visible light to their frequency?

Related terms

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Photon: A quantum of electromagnetic energy with both particle-like and wave-like properties; the fundamental particle associated with all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Blackbody Radiation: The type of electromagnetic radiation within or surrounding a body in thermodynamic equilibrium with its environment, characterized by a specific spectrum that depends only on the body's temperature.