Ljusvågorna

Ljusvågorna, a Swedish term, translates to "light waves" in English and refers to the electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. This visible light is part of a broader spectrum of electromagnetic waves, which includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. The difference between these types of waves lies in their wavelength and frequency. Light waves, specifically, have wavelengths that range from approximately 380 nanometers to 750 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies from about 400 terahertz to 790 terahertz.

When light waves interact with matter, they can be reflected, refracted, absorbed, or transmitted. The color of an object is determined by the wavelengths of light it reflects. For instance, a red apple appears red because it absorbs most wavelengths of visible light and reflects the red wavelengths. The phenomenon of light waves traveling in straight lines is a fundamental concept, though they can bend around objects (diffraction) or spread out when passing through narrow openings.

Light waves are crucial for life on Earth. Photosynthesis in plants relies on absorbing light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Human vision is made possible by the light waves entering our eyes and stimulating photoreceptor cells in the retina. The study of light waves, known as optics, is a significant field in physics, with applications ranging from the design of lenses and telescopes to the understanding of phenomena like rainbows and the operation of lasers.