1.7.6

Visible Light

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Visible Light

Visible light is used to see the world around us.

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Visible light spectrum

  • Traditionally, we say that there are seven colours of light in the spectrum.
  • Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.
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Uses

  • We use visible light to see the world around us and in fibre optics.
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Explanation

  • We use visible light in optical fibres because it can be totally internally reflected.
  • This means that we can transmit signals (information) along optical fibres without the signals (information) getting lost.

Visible Light

The human eye can see visible light. Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Light is absorbed, reflected or transmitted when it hits an object. This determines whether an object is opaque, translucent and transparent.

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Opaque

  • Opaque objects either reflect or absorb all light that hits them.
  • No light passes through.
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Translucent

  • Translucent objects transmit light but the rays are scattered.
  • We cannot see objects clearly through translucent objects.
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Transparent

  • Transparent objects also transmit light without scattering the rays.
  • We can clearly see objects on the other side of transparent objects.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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