turquoise blue

electromagnetic energy

The human eye can only see visible light, but light comes in many other “colors”—radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray—that are invisible to the naked eye. On one end of the spectrum there is infrared light, which, while too red for humans to see, is all around us and even emitted from our bodies.

Light is a form of energy that travels as waves. Their length — or wavelength — determines many of light’s properties.

Kinetic energy Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy.

Light is made up of photons, which are like tiny packets of energy. When an object’s atoms heat up, photon are produced from the movement of atoms. The hotter the object, the more photons are produced.

Light energy affects water temperature, biological processes (such as the relationship between predators and prey) and plant photosynthesis and growth. Light energy is used to help us see – either naturally using the Sun or fire, or with manmade objects like candles or lightbulbs.

When light biologically impacts us, it can improve or disrupt our sleep, cognition and overall wellbeing. It can improve mood and stabilize our circadian rhythms, helping us get a better and deeper nights sleep.

Light is the main source of energy for photosynthesis. Photons of light excites chlorophyll-a, which emits high energy electron that is utilized in the formation of ATP. Light is also responsible for photolysis of water in presence of chlorophyll, to liberate oxygen essential for life.