VISIBLE LIGHT

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.

Each color in a rainbow corresponds to a different

wavelength of electromagnetic spectrum.

SPECTRAL COLORS

EXAMPLES OF VISIBLE LIGHT WAVES

Every object you see is because of reflection visible light.
For example, green trees reflect green colored light and observes all other
colors of light. Hence, they appear in green color.
If you are seeing a green tree means you are actually seeing a green colored
light reflected from the green tree. In the similar way, if you are seeing a red
colored chair means you are actually seeing a red colored light reflected from
the red colored chair.
However, trees and other objects are not primary source of visible light, they are
actually reflecting the light falling on them.
Some primary sources of the visible light are sun, stars, lightning and light bulb.

HOW DO WE SEE USING VISIBLE LIGHT?

Cones in our eyes are receivers for these tiny
visible light waves. The Sun is a natural source
for visible light waves and our eyes see the
reflection of this sunlight off the objects around
us
The color of an object that we see is the color
of light reflected. All other colors are absorbed.
Light bulbs are another source of visible light
waves.

USES OF VISIBLE LIGHT WAVES

Makes us to see the different objects or
substances.
Used by the green plants for photosynthesis.
Used for photoelectric effect to produce current or
electricity.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VISIBLE

LIGHT WAVES

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.