Colors of light are characterized by their wavelengths and frequencies. Here are some observations regarding the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and color:
Wavelength and Frequency: The wavelength of a light wave is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs, while the frequency refers to the number of complete wave cycles passing a given point in one second. The wavelength and frequency of light are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa. Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as follows:
c = λν,
where c represents the speed of light (a constant), λ denotes the wavelength, and ν represents the frequency.
Visible Spectrum: The visible spectrum is the range of electromagnetic waves that can be detected by the human eye. It encompasses different colors, each corresponding to a specific wavelength and frequency. The visible spectrum ranges approximately from 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm. The colors of light in the visible spectrum, from shortest to longest wavelength, are violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.
Relationship between Wavelength and Color: Different colors of light correspond to different wavelengths within the visible spectrum. For example, violet light has the shortest wavelength among visible colors (around 400-450 nm), while red light has the longest wavelength (around 620-700 nm). The other colors of light, such as blue, green, yellow, and orange, have wavelengths and frequencies that fall between violet and red.
Energy of Light: The energy of a light wave is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that higher frequency light waves (shorter wavelength) have more energy than lower frequency light waves (longer wavelength). In the visible spectrum, violet light has the highest frequency and energy, while red light has the lowest frequency and energy.
Relationship to Light Perception: The human eye perceives different colors when light of specific wavelengths enters the eye and interacts with the retina's specialized cells called cones. Each cone cell type is sensitive to a specific range of wavelengths, allowing us to perceive different colors. The combined response of these cone cells to various wavelengths determines our perception of color.
It's important to note that the above observations are based on the properties of visible light within the known electromagnetic spectrum. Beyond the visible spectrum, there are other types of electromagnetic waves, such as ultraviolet, infrared, X-rays, and radio waves, each with its own range of wavelengths and frequencies.