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Visible light
Beginner
The narrow band our eyes see, 400–700 nm.
The small band 400–700 nm detected by the eye; violet shortest, red longest. White light is a mix of all colours.
Peak sensitivity at 555 nm (green).
Different from the range of most radiation.
In more detail
Visible light covers wavelengths from about 380 nm to 750 nm, the range the human eye responds to. Different wavelengths are perceived as different colours.
Real-world uses
- Photography and vision rely on visible light.
- Lighting design uses the visible spectrum for comfort.
- Eyes, cameras and displays work with visible light, which is the narrow band of wavelengths we can see.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is the eye sensitive to this range?
Because it matches the strongest part of the Sun's spectrum reaching Earth's surface.
Do all animals see the same range?
No. Many species see ultraviolet or infrared that humans cannot.
Why can we see only a narrow band?
Our eyes evolved to be sensitive to the wavelengths where sunlight is strongest and where the atmosphere is transparent.
Related topics in AC Circuits & EM Waves
Radio waves · Microwaves · Infrared · Ultraviolet · X-rays · Gamma rays