Question

What is the wavelength range for visible light? Does ultraviolet light have shorter or longer wavelengths than visible light?

Short answer

Visible light has wavelengths from 380-750 nm, and UV light has shorter wavelengths of 10-400 nm.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Visible Light Spectrum

Visible light is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. The typical wavelength range for visible light is from approximately 380 nanometers (nm) to 750 nm.

Analyzing Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light lies outside of the visible spectrum and has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Generally, UV light wavelengths range from about 10 nm to 400 nm.

Comparison of Wavelengths

By comparing ranges, we can see the UV light's wavelength range of 10-400 nm is shorter than that of visible light, which is 380-750 nm. This confirms that UV light has shorter wavelengths in comparison to visible light.

Key concepts

Visible Light

Visible light is a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye. It is the type of light that allows us to see the world around us in various colors. Visible light spans a range from about 380 nanometers (nm) to 750 nm in wavelength.

Within this range, different wavelengths correspond to different colors:

• Violet has the shortest wavelength, close to 380 nm.
• Red has the longest wavelength, around 750 nm.
• Colors between violet and red, such as blue, green, and yellow, have intermediate wavelengths.

Understanding these wavelengths is fundamental in explaining the perception of color, the design of lighting products, and the study of optics. This part of the electromagnetic spectrum is essential for human vision and various optical technologies.

Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light lies just beyond the visible range of light, encompassing wavelengths from about 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm. Although we cannot see UV light with the naked eye, it plays a significant role in various natural and technological processes.

UV light is classified into different sub-types depending on its specific wavelength:

• UV-A (315-400 nm): Responsible for aging effects on the skin and can penetrate deeper.
• UV-B (280-315 nm): Causes sunburn and can damage DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
• UV-C (100-280 nm): Usually absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and is used in disinfection.

While ultraviolet light can have harmful effects, it also has benefits. For instance, it aids in producing vitamin D in human skin and is used in sterilization and forensics.

Wavelength Range

The concept of wavelength range is vital for understanding the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in nanometers (nm). This measurement helps us differentiate between various types of electromagnetic radiation.

Talking specifically about visible and ultraviolet light:

• The visible light range is 380 nm to 750 nm, which is why humans can perceive it as colors.
• Ultraviolet light ranges from 10 nm to 400 nm, making it invisible to us, yet detectable by some animals and special instruments.

The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy of the light. Thus, UV light has more energy than visible light, which is why it can be both useful and damaging. Understanding the wavelength range of these light types helps in applications across fields like astronomy, medicine, and environmental science.