PHYSICS

INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
Topic
VISIBLE LIGHT
 CON
TENTS
AIM
INTRODUCTION
THEORY
PROCEDURE
PRECAUTIONS
MATERIAL REQUIRED
OBSERVATION
RESULT
APPLICATION
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
AIM
The study of EM waves to understanding the properties of
light, its propagation through tissue, scattering and absorption
effects, and changes in the state of polarization.

INTRODUCTION
The visible spectrum, traditionally understood through
classical electromagnetic wave theory, is undergoing a
transformative shift with the advent of new foundational
physics. The early quantum theories of Max Planck and
Albert Einstein, developed in the early twentieth century,
are experiencing a significant revival at the dawn of the
twenty-first century. This resurgence is leading to a
fundamentally new understanding of electromagnetic
waves, which combines elements of both classical and
modern physics.
Albert Einstein’s assertion that quantum mechanics was
incomplete and that “hidden variables” awaited discovery
has been validated with recent breakthroughs. These newly
discovered quantum variables are revolutionizing our
comprehension of electromagnetic (EM) waves, including
those in the visible spectrum. The identification of new
universal constants associated with EM waves has
uncovered a refined elegance in quantum concepts. This
new approach dispels paradoxes and removes uncertainties,
offering clearer and more precise explanations. This
evolving physics is reshaping our understanding of the
visible spectrum, transitioning from the old paradigm to a
new one that is both more intuitive and more potent. This
shift is paving the way for a deeper, more realistic
understanding of the physical phenomena associated with
visible light and electromagnetic waves as a whole.

THEORY
The visible light spectrum is the segment of the electromagnetic
spectrum that the human eye can view. More simply, this range of
wavelengths is called visible light. Typically, the human eye can
detect wavelengths from 380 to 700 nanometers.

WAVELENGTHS OF VISIBLE LIGHT

All electromagnetic radiation is light, but we can only see a small
portion of this radiation—the portion we call visible light. Cone-
shaped cells in our eyes act as receivers tuned to the wavelengths
in this narrow band of the spectrum. Other portions of the
spectrum have wavelengths too large or too small and energetic
for the biological limitations of our perception.
As the full spectrum of visible light travels through a prism, the
wavelengths separate into the colours of the rainbow because each
colour is a different wavelength. Violet has the shortest
wavelength, at around 380 nanometers, and red has the longest
wavelength, at around 700 nanometers.

THE SUN'S CORONA

The Sun is the dominant source for visible-light waves our eyes
receive. The outer-most layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, the corona,
can be seen in visible light. But it is so faint it cannot not be seen
except during a total solar eclipse because the bright photosphere
overwhelms it. The photograph below was taken during a total
eclipse of the Sun where the photosphere and chromosphere are
almost completely blocked by the moon. The tapered patterns—
coronal streamers—around the Sun are formed by the outward
flow of plasma that is shaped by magnetic field lines extending
millions of miles into space.

COLOUR AND TEMPERATURE

As objects grow hotter, they radiate energy dominated by shorter
wavelengths, changing colour before our eyes. A flame on a blow
torch shifts from reddish to bluish in colour as it is adjusted to
burn hotter. In the same way, the colour of stars tells scientists
about their temperature.
Our Sun produces more yellow light than any other colour
because its surface temperature is 5,500°C. If the Sun’s surface
were cooler—say 3,000°C—it would look reddish, like the star
Betelgeuse. If the Sun were hotter—say, 12,000°C—it would look
blue, like the star Rigel

SPECTRA AND SPECTRAL SIGNATURES

Close examination of the visible-light spectrum from our Sun and
other stars reveals a pattern of dark lines—called absorption lines.
These patterns can provide important scientific clues that reveal
hidden properties of objects throughout the universe. Certain
elements in the Sun’s atmosphere absorb certain colours of light.
These patterns of lines within spectra act like fingerprints for
atoms and molecules. Looking at the Sun’s spectrum, for example,
the fingerprints for elements are clear to those knowledgeable
about those patterns.
Patterns are also evident in a graph of an object’s reflectance.
Elements, molecules, and even cell structures have unique
signatures of reflectance. A graph of an object’s reflectance across
a spectrum is called a spectral signature. Spectral signatures of
different Earth features within the visible light spectrum ARE
shown below.
 PROCEDURE
Securely place the diffraction grating in a holder or clamp.
Ensure the light source is stable and directed toward the
diffraction grating.
Darken the room or reduce ambient light to minimize interference
from other light sources.
Position the white light source so that it shines directly onto the
diffraction grating.
Ensure the light passes through the grating and projects onto the
screen.
Place the screen at a suitable distance behind the diffraction
grating to clearly observe the diffracted light.
Measure the distance from the diffraction grating to the screen (L)
Measure the distance from the central maximum (the direct light
spot) to each of the coloured bands on the screen (x)

PRECAUTIONS
Accuracy: Ensure precise measurements of distances and angles
to avoid errors.
Multiple Trials: Conduct multiple trials for each colour and
average the results to minimize random errors.
Safety: Handle the equipment carefully and ensure the light
source is not too intense to avoid damage to your eyes.

MATERIALS
 REQUIRED
Diffraction grating (with known grating spacing)
White light source (such as a light bulb)
Screen (white paper or a wall)
Measuring tape or ruler
Protractor or a device to measure angles
Dark room or environment with controlled lighting
Data recording materials (notebook, pen, or computer)
 OBSERVATIONS
Colour Distance x Distance L Angle θ\theta θ Wavelength λ\ lambda λ
Observed (cm) (cm) (degrees) (nm)

Violet 5.1 100 2.92 410

Blue 6.5 100 3.71 470

Green 7.9 100 4.50 530

Yellow 9.1 100 5.20 570

Orange 10.3 100 5.87 600

Red 11.5 100 6.52 650

OBSERVATION
Gamma rays : (Range)
Wavelength - shorter than 0.01 nm
Frequency - above 3×10¹⁹ Hz
Energy - greater than 100 keV

X – rays : (Range)
Wavelength - 0.01 nm to 10 nm
Frequency - 3×10¹⁹ Hz to 3×10¹⁶ Hz
Energy – 100 keV to 100 eV

Ultraviolet rays : (Range)

Wavelength - 100 nm to 400 nm
Frequency - 3×10¹⁶ Hz to 8×10¹⁴ Hz
Energy - 100 eV to 3 eV

Infrared rays : (Range)

Wavelength - 700 nm to 1 mm
Frequency - 4×10¹⁴ Hz to 3×10¹² Hz
Energy - 1 eV to 1 meV
Microwave rays : (Range)
Wavelength - 1 mm to 1 m
Frequency - 3×10¹⁰ Hz to 3×10⁸ Hz
Energy - 1 meV to 1 μeV

Radio rays : (Range)

Wavelength - 1 m to 100 km
Frequency - 3×10⁸ Hz to 3×10³ Hz
Energy - less than 1 μeV

APPLICATION
Radio Waves (communications)

 TV and FM radio (short wavelength)

 Direct line of sight with transmitter (do not diffract)
 Medium wavelength – travel further because they reflect from layers in the
atmosphere
Satellite signals (Microwaves)

 Frequency of microwaves pass easily through atmosphere and clouds

Cooking (Microwaves)

 Microwaves are absorbed by water molecules.

 These water molecules become heated > heat food
 Dangers: microwaves are absorbed by living tissue Internal heating will damage
or kill cells
Infrared Radiation (remote controls, toasters)

 Any object that radiates heat radiates Infrared Radiation

 Infrared Radiation is absorbed by all materials and causes heating
 It is used for night vision and security cameras as Infrared Radiation is visible in
daytime or night-time
 Police use it to catch criminals, army use it to detect enemy
 Dangers: damage to cells (burns)

Ultraviolet

 Dangers:
o over-exposure to UVA and B damages surface cells and eyes and can
cause cancer.
  There is a problem with current sunscreens which protect
against skin burning from high UVB but give inadequate
protection against free radical damage caused by UVA.
 Dark skins are not necessarily safer from harm.
 Sun exposure for the skin is best restricted to before 11am and
after 3pm in the UK in summer months.
 Benefits:
o sanitary and therapeutic properties have a marked effect on architecture,
engineering and public health and have done so throughout history.
o UVC is germicidal, destroying bacteria, viruses and moulds in the air, in
water and on surfaces.
o UV synthesises vitamin D in skin, controls the endocrine system and is a
painkiller.
o Used in state of the art air-handling units, personal air purifiers and
swimming pool technology.
o Used to detect forged bank notes: they fluoresce in UV light; real bank
notes don’t. Used to identify items outside visible spectrum areas, known
as 'black lighting'.

X-rays

 X-rays detect bone breaks

  X-rays pass through flesh but not dense material like bones
 Dangers: X-rays damage cells and cause cancers. Radiographer precautions
include wearing lead aprons and standing behind a lead screen to minimise
exposure

Gamma Rays

 Gamma Rays cause and treat cancers

 In high doses, gamma can kill normal cells and cause cancers
 Gamma can be used to kill mutated cells though too.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the study of electromagnetic waves sheds light on
light’s properties, interactions with tissue, and phenomena like
scattering and polarization changes. This understanding impacts
medicine by improving diagnostic imaging and treatment.
Additionally, it aids environmental monitoring and remote
sensing, enhancing resource management and disaster
preparedness. Moreover, insights from electromagnetic wave
research drive advancements in communication technologies,
leading to faster data transmission and more reliable networks. As
this research progresses, it not only deepens our understanding of
light but also fuels innovation across scientific and technological
fields, shaping a future where the manipulation of electromagnetic
waves opens up new frontiers for exploration and application.
In medicine, understanding how light propagates through tissue
enhances diagnostic imaging techniques, leading to improved
patient care and treatment outcomes. Additionally, in fields like
environmental monitoring and remote sensing, insights into
electromagnetic wave behavior aid in interpreting satellite data
and detecting environmental changes, contributing to better
resource management and disaster preparedness.

Furthermore, advancements in communication technologies,

informed by electromagnetic wave research, lead to the
development of more efficient optical communication systems,
enabling faster data transmission rates and more reliable networks.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 NCERT TEXTBOOK
* www.wikipedia.com
* www.mechanic37.com
* www.electricgyan.com