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 full spectrum of light and how does it relate to what humans can see?

Explain how the wavelength and frequency of light waves affect their energy.

Describe the role of rods and cones in the human eye.

What happens to light that has an energy our retina can't measure?

How do different types of light interact with matter? Provide examples.

Discuss the significance of telescopes in observing the full spectrum of light.

In what ways can understanding light enhance our perception of the universe?