Properties of Visible Light

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Microwaves

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths longer than those of terahertz (THz) wavelengths, but relatively short for radio waves.

Visible Light

The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light.

X-rays

X-rays make up X-radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 100 eV to 100 keV.

Electromagnetic Radiation

a kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays, in which electric and magnetic fields vary simultaneously.

Photon

a particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. A photon carries energy proportional to the radiation frequency but has zero rest mass.

Transparent

allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen.

Translucent

allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through; semitransparent.

Radio waves

an electromagnetic wave of a frequency between about 104 and 1011 or 1012 Hz, as used for long-distance communication.

ROY G BIV

is an acronym for the sequence of hues commonly described as making up a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Ultraviolet waves

is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 100 nm to 400 nm, shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays.

Infrared waves

nfrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation, as are radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and microwaves.

Opaque

not able to be seen through; not transparent.

Gamma rays

penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.

Refraction

the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc., being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.

Diffraction

the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge, typically accompanied by interference between the wave forms produced.

Absorption

the process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.

Reflection

the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.