6.4.5

Visible Light

Test yourself

Visible Light

Visible light is used to see the world around us.

Illustrative background for Visible light spectrumIllustrative background for Visible light spectrum ?? "content

Visible light spectrum

  • Traditionally, we say that there are seven colours of light in the spectrum.
  • Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.
Illustrative background for UsesIllustrative background for Uses ?? "content

Uses

  • We use visible light to see the world around us and in fibre optics.
Illustrative background for ExplanationIllustrative background for Explanation ?? "content

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.

Illustrative background for OpaqueIllustrative background for Opaque ?? "content

Opaque

  • Opaque objects either reflect or absorb all light that hits them.
  • No light passes through.
Illustrative background for TranslucentIllustrative background for Translucent ?? "content

Translucent

  • Translucent objects transmit light but the rays are scattered.
  • We cannot see objects clearly through translucent objects.
Illustrative background for TransparentIllustrative background for Transparent ?? "content

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

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson