+67 votes
in Wavelength by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+51 votes
by

I can describe how the world might look if we were able to see beyond the visible spectrum of light.

The human visual system is sensitive to a narrow range of wavelengths known as the visible spectrum, which includes colors ranging from red to violet. If we could see beyond this range, we would be able to perceive other wavelengths of light, such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR).

If we could see ultraviolet light, which has shorter wavelengths than visible light, some things would appear differently. For example, certain flowers and plants have patterns on their petals that are invisible to human eyes but are visible under UV light. Some insects, like bees, can see in the UV range, and they use this ability to locate nectar guides on flowers. So, the world might appear more vibrant and patterns on flowers might be more pronounced.

On the other hand, if we could see infrared light, which has longer wavelengths than visible light, we would perceive a different range of colors. Warm objects, like human bodies or warm surfaces, would emit more visible light, and we would be able to see heat signatures. Night vision goggles that use infrared light are already capable of providing this type of vision, allowing us to see in low-light conditions.

It's important to note that perceiving different wavelengths of light would significantly alter our visual experience. The colors, patterns, and details we are accustomed to would change, and we would gain new insights into the world around us. However, the specifics of how this would look would depend on the particular characteristics of the light and the capabilities of our visual system in perceiving those wavelengths.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...