Quite a few physics formulas help us define the properties of light. In studying the physics of light, there are other formulas and properties we can examine. You can download specific technical specifications about our lights to learn more detail about each one or you can view those tech specs on our individual product pages. In the world of lighting, we look at the properties of light to define what we need in each lighting application scenario. This is particularly useful when we examine the lightwaves captured by the Hubble telescope or even when we look at light beams here on Earth. Each type of light tells us unique things. Scientists use the various waves in the EM Spectrum to measure and study our universe. The energy of visible light received by your retina is interpreted by your brain as color. NASA equates these waves to the size of a virus. When talking about light, we refer to the frequency in terms of color.Įlectromagnetic waves within the Visible Spectrum are tiny. This is usually measured in cycles per second or hertz. The frequency of a wave is the number of full wavelengths (one crest and one trough) that pass a given point in space each second. A single wavelength is measured as the distance between two consecutive toughs or crests.Īmplitude is associated with the brightness or intensity of a wave and is measured from the central axis up to the midpoint of the crest. Waves crest (up) and trough (down) on either side of that central axis when shown during the passage of time. Think of the central axis of a wave as the horizontal distance. The point where the wave creates a dividing line, where an equal visual weight appears on each side (crest and trough) is called the central axis. Because light travels in waves over time, similar to waves in the ocean, we can measure the distance traveled by looking at the wavelength. How we measure light is as important as its properties. Vibrating an electric charge produces electromagnetic waves. Energy is transported by electromagnetic waves through outer space. By contrast, mechanical waves only transport energy via a medium. Electromagnetic waves oscillate perpendicular to one another in a wave format unique to its specific frequency.Įlectromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. This is shown in the ocean with the swell or crest and then a valley or trough of water. When we examine the definition of a wave, we find a wave refers to the disturbance in a physical medium or field that results in an oscillation or vibration. The word “wave” often brings to mind our magnificent ocean waves. This is one reason why addressing climate change, and making choices to help create a sustainable future is important. Because of the Earth’s protective atmosphere, which absorbs gamma rays, we on the planet are protected from those harmful radiation waves. They operate at high frequencies, which means high energy is involved. The frequencies for UV, X-Ray and Gamma, which are outside the Visible Spectrum, are a harmful type of radiation to living organisms. Aside from LED light bulbs which sit inside the Visible Light Spectrum, you can listen to music over radio waves, your doctor performs x-rays to view broken bones, and you may have heated your lunch with the energy produced by the microwave spectrum. From low to high frequency range:Īll of these frequencies are present in your daily life. You will recognize many of the various regions of the EM Spectrum. The large range of frequencies within EM Radiation is a classification called the Electromagnetic Spectrum. What we can see is called the Visible Spectrum. The human eye cannot see all forms of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation helps with plant photosynthesis and with zooplankton biosynthesis in our oceans, it can be converted into solar power, and it allows us to see a variety of colors. An examination of the various forms of light can provide you with a solid base and understanding of light, as you create light plans for your current projects.Įlectromagnetic radiation is a form of energy. While scientists continue to debate about our world view or zeitgeist, there are a number of established principles and properties that can reveal the nature of light. It is a narrow band within the Electromagnetic Spectrum. As the name suggests, this is the segment the human eye can see. One aspect of light that is important to understand is the Visible Light Spectrum.
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