Visible light can have a thermal effect, although it typically has a lesser impact compared to other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as infrared or ultraviolet light.
When visible light interacts with an object, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The degree to which visible light is absorbed by an object depends on the object's properties, such as color and composition. When visible light is absorbed by an object, it can increase the object's temperature by transferring its energy to the object's molecules.
However, the thermal effect of visible light is generally not as pronounced as that of infrared radiation, which has longer wavelengths and carries more energy. Infrared radiation is well-known for its ability to generate heat when absorbed by objects, including the human body. This is why infrared saunas, for example, use infrared radiation to produce heat.
Visible light, on the other hand, is primarily associated with vision and is usually not a significant source of heat. The thermal effect of visible light is typically minimal unless the intensity of the light is extremely high or it is focused on a specific area for an extended period.
It's worth noting that different wavelengths within the visible light spectrum can have varying degrees of thermal effect. For instance, visible light at the higher end of the spectrum, such as violet and blue light, carries more energy and can generate a slightly greater thermal effect compared to light at the lower end of the spectrum, such as red and orange light.
Overall, while visible light can contribute to heating an object to some extent, its thermal effect is generally less significant compared to other forms of electromagnetic radiation like infrared light.