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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: s3a on October 21, 2009, 03:26:48 PM

Title: What is the range of visible light?
Post by: s3a on October 21, 2009, 03:26:48 PM

Is the range of visible light 380nm-750nm or 400-750nm?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: What is the range of visible light?
Post by: cliverlong on October 21, 2009, 03:32:57 PM

Wikipedia claims

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_spectrum

A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths from about 380 to 750 nm


I guess the cones in a particular eye will have some small impact on the range of wavelengths perceived by that eye.

Clive

Title: Re: What is the range of visible light?
Post by: Borek on October 21, 2009, 04:01:40 PM

I have heard some people are able to see IR emitted by TV remote controllers :)

Title: Re: What is the range of visible light?
Post by: gregdwulet on October 21, 2009, 04:55:17 PM

^^That would suck...

And I verified cliverlong's answer of 380-750 in my book (Zumdahl)

Title: Re: What is the range of visible light?
Post by: Borek on October 21, 2009, 06:22:49 PM

Why? That's actually quite an interesting observation. It was discussed somewehre else, I think at physicalforums, and someone even stated he catched his GF using remote to find her keys in the dark :)