White light
Explanation
The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, typically ranging from wavelengths of approximately 400 nm to 700 nm. Light that comprises a mixture of all wavelengths (colors) within this visible range is known as white light. Isaac Newton demonstrated this by passing white light through a prism, causing it to disperse into seven constituent colors: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (VIBGYOR).
Option Analysis
- Monochromatic light Monochromatic light: This refers to light consisting of a single wavelength or frequency (e.g., light from a laser). It does not contain the full spectrum of colors.
- Infrared light Infrared light: This is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible red light. It is invisible to the human eye and is associated with heat radiation.
- White light White light: This is polychromatic light containing all wavelengths of the visible spectrum. Sunlight is the most common example of white light.
- Ultraviolet light Ultraviolet light: This is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than those of visible violet light. It is invisible to the human eye.
Key Takeaway
White light is polychromatic radiation resulting from the combination of all colors (wavelengths) in the visible spectrum.