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Visible Light Waves
Visible Light Waves
Visible Light Waves
WAVES
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Electromagnetic spectrum-Is the term used by scientists to describe
the entire range of light that exists.
Electromagnetic waves-Arewaveswhich can travel through the
vacuum of outer space.
Wavelength- The distance between peaks (high points) in waves.
DEFINITION
Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic waves we can
see.
We see these waves as the colors of the rainbow. Each color has a
different wavelength. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the
shortest wavelength. When all the waves are seen together, they make
white light.
When white light shines through a prism, the white light is broken
apart into the colors of the visible light spectrum. Water vapor in
the atmosphere can also break apart wavelengths creating a
rainbow.
This process is called Dispersion.
SPECTRAL COLORS
ADVANTAGES
It allows us to see because the light reflects off an object and into your
eyes.
Plant growth.
Can be used to produce electric current or electricity.
Visible light is not harmful to our eyes.
DISADVANTAGES
The amount of light pollution. Can hurt your eyes if u stare at it.
Sunburn.
Are readily absorbed/reflected, which is why we discern the colors of
objects; this is not a good thing for transmitting information over long
distances, hence the use of much longer wave length radio waves.
Not easily discernible at low levels (i.e., in the dark). Switching to the
slightly longer infrared allows tracking of heat sources such as
machinery and living things in the dark.