Sunlight consists of a wide range of electromagnetic radiation spanning from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) wavelengths. The following is a breakdown of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, starting from shorter wavelengths (higher energy) to longer wavelengths (lower energy):
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation:
- UV-C: wavelengths below 280 nanometers (nm)
- UV-B: wavelengths between 280 nm and 315 nm
- UV-A: wavelengths between 315 nm and 400 nm
Visible light:
- Violet: wavelengths between approximately 400 nm and 450 nm
- Blue: wavelengths between 450 nm and 495 nm
- Green: wavelengths between 495 nm and 570 nm
- Yellow: wavelengths between 570 nm and 590 nm
- Orange: wavelengths between 590 nm and 620 nm
- Red: wavelengths between 620 nm and 750 nm
Infrared (IR) radiation:
- Near-infrared (NIR): wavelengths between approximately 750 nm and 1,400 nm
- Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR): wavelengths between 1,400 nm and 3,000 nm
- Mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR): wavelengths between 3,000 nm and 8,000 nm
- Long-wavelength infrared (LWIR): wavelengths between 8,000 nm and 15,000 nm
- Far-infrared (FIR): wavelengths between 15,000 nm and 1 millimeter
It's important to note that the specific boundaries between these regions may vary depending on the source and context. Additionally, certain regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as X-rays and gamma rays, are not typically present in sunlight as they are higher in energy and originate from other sources, such as cosmic events and nuclear processes.