Chapter 8: Problem 26

What is different about our perceptions of the different frequencies within the visible light band of the EM spectrum?

Short Answer

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Answer: Our eyes detect and perceive the different frequencies within the visible light band through color-sensitive cells called cones, which are sensitive to red, blue, and green light. The cones send signals to our brain based on the various frequencies and their combinations, leading to our perception of colors ranging from violet to red.

Step by step solution

Understand the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum consists of all the possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from very low frequencies (like radio waves) to very high frequencies (like gamma rays). The electromagnetic waves are arranged in the order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.

Define the Visible Light Band

The visible light band is a small range of frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to the light that can be detected by the human eye. It lies between the ultraviolet and infrared frequencies and has wavelengths approximately in the range of 380 nm to 750 nm.

Explain the Perception of Colors

Our perceptions of the different frequencies within the visible light band are due to the way our eyes detect light. The human eye has three types of color-sensitive cells called cones, which are sensitive to red, blue, and green light. By detecting the different frequencies and their combinations, these cones send signals to the brain, which then processes the information to perceive the various colors we see.

Discuss the Difference in Perception of Frequencies

The different frequencies within the visible light band correspond to different colors. At the lower end of the visible spectrum, around 380 nm, we perceive the color violet. As the wavelength increases (and frequency decreases), the perceived color shifts through blue, green, yellow, and eventually reaching red around 750 nm. The perceived colors are the result of the way our eyes process the information received from the different frequencies in the visible light band.

Conclusion

In summary, the difference in our perceptions of the various frequencies within the visible light band of the Electromagnetic spectrum is due to the way our eyes detect and process the information received from these frequencies. This process allows us to perceive colors ranging from violet to red, depending on the specific frequency of the visible light.

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What is different about our perceptions of the different frequencies within the visible light band of the EM spectrum?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Define the Visible Light Band

Explain the Perception of Colors

Discuss the Difference in Perception of Frequencies

Conclusion

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