Electromagnetic spectrum and light

What determines the color of an object we see

The color of an object we see is based on the wavelengths of light reflected and the wavelengths absorbed. Whichever wavelength is reflected is the one we see, and all the other colors are absorbed.

What kind of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength? The longest?

The electromagnetic radiation that has the shortest wavelength is gamma ray and radio waves have the longest wavelength.

Why can't you use visible light to "see" molecules?

Visible light has a longer wavelength than molecules, so we can not see them with visible light.

Some insects, like bees can see light of shorter wavelengths than humans can see. What kind of radiation do you think a bee sees?

A bee must see X-ray radiation.

Infrared

Electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths longer than the red end of visible light and shorter than microwaves. Almost none of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can reach the surface of the Earth, although some portions can be observed by high-altitude aircraft or telescopes on high mountaintops.

Ultraviolet light

Electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths shorter than the violet end of visible light; the atmosphere of the Earth blocks transmission of most ultraviolet light.

Visible light

Electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths which the human eye can see, this radiation is perceived as colors ranging from red to violet.

X rays

Electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength and very high-energy, X-rays have shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet light and longer wavelengths than gamma rays.

Radio waves

Electromagnetic radiation that has lowest frequency, longest wavelength, and is produced by charged particles moving back and forth. The atmosphere of Earth is transparent to radio waves.

Microwaves

Electromagnetic radiation which has a longer wavelength than visible light. Microwaves can be used to study the Universe, communicate with satellites in Earth orbit, and cook popcorn.

Radiation

Energy is emitted in the form of waves (light) or particles (photons).

What makes each color of visible light different

The full spectrum of visible light passes through a prism, and the wavelengths separate into the colors of the rainbow because each color is a different wavelength.

Gamma rays

The highest energy, shortest wavelength electromagnetic radiations. Usually, they are thought of as any photons having energies greater than about 100 keV.

For visible light (ROYGBIV), which has the shortest wavelength? Which has the longest?

Violet has the shortest wavelength, then indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and finally red with the longest wavelength

What kind of electromagnetic radiation could be used to "see" molecules? A cold virus?

X-rays is used to "see" molecules.