TED-Ed: Light waves, visible and invisible - Lucianne Walkowicz

The video explores how humans perceive only a small part of the light spectrum, known as visible light. It explains light as electromagnetic waves with varying wavelengths and frequencies, affecting how we see colors. The interaction of light with the retina, through rods and cones, enables color perception. Beyond visible light, other forms like radio waves and x-rays exist, detectable by special instruments. The universe emits a full spectrum of light, observable with telescopes, allowing us to study distant celestial bodies.

What is the nature of light as described in the video?

• Light is only a wave.

• Light is only a particle.

• Light is both a wave and a particle.

• Light is neither a wave nor a particle.

How does the wavelength of light relate to its energy?

• Short wavelengths have low energy.

• Wavelength does not affect energy.

• Long wavelengths have high energy.

• Long wavelengths have low energy.

What role do rods play in the human eye?

• They detect color.

• They measure brightness.

• They focus light.

• They filter ultraviolet light.

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum can humans naturally see?

• Microwaves

• Radio waves

• X-rays

• Visible light

What is the main difference between different types of light?

• Their speed

• Their source

• Their wavelength

• Their color

How do special telescopes help us understand the universe?

• They only capture images in black and white.

• They magnify visible light.

• They detect light beyond the visible spectrum.

• They filter out unwanted light.

Why is it important to study light beyond the visible spectrum?

• To enhance color perception

• To understand the full spectrum of the universe

• To improve eyesight

• To create better sunglasses