What is Light
Light is electromagnetic radiation. It can be modelled as a wave comprised of changing perpendicular electric and magnetic fields.
Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the 380-750 nanometre range. At different wavelengths within the same spectrum other well known forms of electromagnetic radiation exist. These include radio waves, infrared, ultraviolet, and x-rays.
Electromagnetic radiation is produced by the acceleration of charged particles. The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is constant (speed of light: c ≈ 3.0 x 10^8 m/s).
Electromagnetic waves can be described by the wave equation:
c = f λ
Energy in light is proportional to it's frequency or inversely proportional to the wavelength:
E ∝ f or E ∝ 1/λ
Low energy vs high energy
Shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation carry more energy and have the potential to be more harmful. This part of the spectrum includes UV light, X-rays, and Gamma rays.
Longer wavelengths carry less energy making these frequencies less harmful.
When it comes to visible light, this relationship is still applicable. Shorter wavelengths of visible light (blue / violet) have higher energy than the longer wavelengths of light (red).
Site Content
Natural Light
UV Dangers and Mitigation
UV Dangers and Mitigation
Natural UV light is critical for vitamin D creation. Vitamin D is
UV Dangers and Mitigation
UV Dangers and Mitigation
UV Dangers and Mitigation
High strength and long exposure of ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the skin and eyes, lead to premature aging and can cause skin cancer.