Visible light
Visible Light
Visible light (pronounced: /ˈvɪzɪbəl laɪt/) is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is detectable by the human eye. The term originates from the Latin words 'visibilis' meaning 'able to be seen' and 'lux' meaning 'light'.
Definition
Visible light is defined as the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that the human eye can detect, typically from about 400 to 700 nanometers. This range is also known as the visible spectrum.
Properties
Visible light, like all types of electromagnetic radiation, travels in waves. These waves have both electric and magnetic components that oscillate in directions perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
Interaction with Matter
When visible light encounters matter, it can be absorbed, reflected, or refracted. The interaction depends on the properties of the matter, such as its optical density and the wavelength of the light.
Perception of Color
The human eye perceives different wavelengths of visible light as different colors. For example, light with a wavelength of approximately 700 nanometers is perceived as red, while light with a wavelength of approximately 400 nanometers is perceived as violet.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Visible light
- Wikipedia's article - Visible light
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski