Types of Light Energy

Light energy is of various types. They are:

• Visible Light
• Infrared Light
• X-Ray Light
• UV Light

Let’s learn about these forms of light energy in detail

Visible Light

Visible form of Light Energy can only be seen through naked eye. It is a type of electromagnetic energy. The source of visible light is the sun. It can be radiated from flashlights, light bulbs, etc.

Wavelengths of visible light range from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers (nm), with specific wavelengths associated with different colors of light. The shortest wavelength is associated with violet light, while the longest is associated with red light. Frequencies of visible light range from about 430 THz (terahertz) for violet light to 750 THz for red light. Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye.

Visible Light Energy is composed of a spectrum of colors, each of which corresponds to a specific wavelength and frequency. The colors in this spectrum are often represented by the acronym “ROYGBIV” for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Applications are human vision, photography, etc.

Infrared Light

Infrared Light Energy is also a kind of electromagnetic energy that produces heat. TV remotes are a good example of putting the infrared light into effect.

Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light, usually between 700 nm and 1 mm. Infrared frequencies range from about 300 GHz to 430 THz. Infrared radiation is mainly linked to heat, as objects emit it through the thermal motion of their molecules. Its applications are thermography, night vision, remote sensing, etc.

X-Rays

Doctors utilize short light waves to capture images inside our bodies and identify bone fractures. Additionally, dentists use x-rays to monitor the progression of tooth decay.

The wavelengths of X-rays are generally shorter, typically falling within the range of 0.01 nm to 10 nm. X-rays have frequencies that range from 30 petahertz (PHz) to 30 exahertz (EHz). X-rays are classified as highly energetic electromagnetic waves and are utilized for their ability to pass through objects. They can travel through soft tissues, but when it comes to denser materials like bones and metals, they are absorbed.

Ultraviolet Light

UV light has wavelengths that are shorter than those of visible light, usually between 10 nm and 400 nm. UV frequencies range from 800 THz to 30 PHz. UV radiation is a constituent of sunlight and is capable of causing harm to living beings, such as DNA mutations and skin burns.

Light Energy is a type of energy that is visible to the human eye. Light Energy that reaches us is in the form of a wave. The Light Energy Wave is an Electromagnetic Wave and is transverse in nature. The wavelength of Light Energy Wave is in the range of 400nm to 700nm. Light Energy is reflected from any surface and then enters into our eyes forming the image on the retina to make the object visible.

Like any other form of energy, Light is also a form of energy that can do work. The work done by Light is evident from the photoelectric effect. We have to study Light Energy in Physics Class 10. In this article, we are going to discuss what is Light Energy, the properties of Light Energy, the nature of light energy, and the applications of Light Energy.