Physics and Light: Understanding Wavelength
by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023
What is Light and its Properties?
Light is a physical phenomenon that involves the transmission of electromagnetic waves in the visible spectrum. It is made up of photons, which form a particle-wave duality. Light behaves as both a particle and a wave, reacting to both particle-based causes such as reflection and refraction, and wave-based conditions such as interference and diffraction. Light is an essential component of the universe because it helps us to see and experience our environment.
What is Wavelength?
The wavelength of light is the distance between its consecutive wave crests. Wavelengths may be measured in any unit of length (for example centimetres, metres or nanometres). Wavelengths in the visible spectrum are typically in the range of 400 to 700 nanometres ( nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency of the waves, and vice versa.
How are Wavelengths Measured?
Wavelength is usually expressed in terms of nanometers, representing one billionth (10-9) of a meter. Wavelengths of light can range from 400 nanometers (blue light) to 700 nanometers (red light) in the visible spectrum.
The Properties of Wavelengths between 500-800 nm
The wavelength range between 500-800 nm (nanometer) is the region of the visible spectrum, also called the visible spectrum (दृष्टि प्रकार or दृष्टि स्तर (Drshti prakar, Drshti sthir)). It is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that human eyes can see. This region of wavelengths includes the colors orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Each color has a unique wavelength and frequency.
Examples of Light in the 500-800 nm Range
| Color | Wavelength (nm) |
|---|---|
| Red | 700-620 |
| Orange | 620-590 |
| Yellow | 590-560 |
| Green | 560-520 |
| Blue | 520-490 |
| Violet | 490-420 |
How do Colors Differ Based on the Wavelength?
Different wavelengths of light emit different colors. This is due to the unique properties of different frequencies – the difference between light frequencies determines the differing colors that we are able to see.
The greater the frequency, the higher the energy; the lower the frequency, the lower the energy. Red light has the longest wavelength and lowest energy, while violet light has the shortest wavelength and highest energy. All the other colors of light have wavelengths and energies that fall somewhere in between.
Conclusion
Light plays an important role in the study of physics. The wavelength of a light wave is the distance between two consecutive wave crests, expressed in nanometers. The visible spectrum is between 400-700 nanometers. The range between 500-800 nanometers is the region of the visible spectrum that humans can see – this includes the colors orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The frequency of light waves determines the color of the light, with red light having the longest wavelength and lowest energy, and violet light having the shortest wavelength and highest energy.
Light is a fascinating subject that influences many aspects of the physical world and our everyday lives. Understanding the properties of light, including wavelength, helps us understand the world better.
