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Visible light

Definition

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye. It consists of different colors with varying wavelengths, ranging from red to violet.

Analogy

Imagine visible light as a rainbow - it's made up of different colors that we can see. Just like how you can use a prism to separate white light into its individual colors, our eyes perceive these colors when they enter our eyes.

Related terms

Refraction: Refraction occurs when light waves change direction as they pass through different mediums, such as water or glass. This bending of light is responsible for phenomena like rainbows and lenses.

Absorption: Absorption happens when an object takes in certain wavelengths of light and reflects or transmits others. The color we perceive an object to be is determined by which wavelengths it absorbs and reflects.

Photons: Photons are particles of energy that make up electromagnetic waves, including visible light. They behave both as particles and waves and carry specific amounts of energy depending on their wavelength.

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

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