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Visible Light

Definition

The range of electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye, typically with wavelengths between 400 to 700 nanometers.

Analogy

Think of visible light as different colors on a paint palette. Just like artists mix different colors to create beautiful paintings, visible light consists of different colors that combine to create the world we see around us.

Related terms

Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light, not detectable by the human eye but can cause sunburns.

Infrared (IR) Light: Electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light, often used for remote control signals and heat imaging.

Photon: A particle representing a quantum unit of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.