Electromagnetic radiation, light, and visible light are related but have distinct characteristics. Here are the differences between them:
Electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic radiation refers to the energy propagated through space in the form of waves or particles. It encompasses a broad range of wavelengths or frequencies, extending from very long wavelengths (such as radio waves) to very short wavelengths (such as gamma rays). Electromagnetic radiation includes various types, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. It is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the behavior and properties of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Light: Light is a subset of electromagnetic radiation that specifically refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Visible light occupies a narrow range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum, typically ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. It is the part of the spectrum that our eyes are sensitive to, enabling us to perceive color and visual information. While visible light is electromagnetic radiation, not all electromagnetic radiation is visible light.
Visible light: Visible light is the specific range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes can detect and perceive as different colors. As mentioned earlier, it spans from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. The colors of visible light include violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. When combined, they form the visible spectrum of light. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared and ultraviolet, have wavelengths that are outside the range of visible light and are not visible to the human eye without specialized equipment.
In summary, electromagnetic radiation is a broad term encompassing all forms of energy transmitted through space as waves or particles. Light refers to electromagnetic radiation, while visible light specifically refers to the portion of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to humans and encompasses the range of wavelengths that our eyes perceive as different colors.