Related to Normal spectrum: Prismatic spectrum. a representation of a spectrum arranged upon conventional plan adopted as standard, especially a spectrum in which the colors are spaced proportionally to their wave lengths, as when formed by a diffraction grating. See also: Spectrum.

There are three general types of spectra: continuous, emission, and absorption.

A spectrum (plural spectra or spectrums) is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary, without steps, across a continuum. The word was first used scientifically in optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light after passing through a prism.

noun. Save Word. spec·​trum | / ˈspek-trəm / plural spectra/ ˈspek-​trə / or spectrums.

When the light encounters a prism, it refracts, but each color refracts at a slightly different angle due to dispersion. When the light leaves theprism the colors are travelling at slightly different angles. View far enough away for the colors to separate, a little rainbow (or spectrum) is formed.

White light is nothing but colorless daylight. This contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum at equal intensity. In simple terms, electromagnetic radiation of all the frequencies in the visible range of the spectrum, appearing white to the eye is called white light.

Each beam of light, with its own particular wavelength (or color), is slowed differently by the glass. Since violet light has a shorter wavelength, it is slowed more than the longer wavelengths of red light. Consequently, violet light is bent the most while red light is bent the least.

An emission spectrum is the line pattern formed when an element is excited and gives off energy. An absorption spectrum is formed when white light passes through a cool gas. The gas absorbs certain wavelengths of energy and allows others to pass through.

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.

Ultimately, if you could see all wavelengths simultaneously, there would be so much light bouncing about that you wouldn’t see anything. Or rather, you would see everything and nothing simultaneously. The excess of light would just leave everything in a senseless glow.

Infrared waves are a portion of the light spectrum that follows red. They have longer wavelengths than visible light, ranging from 700 nanometers to one millimeter. This renders them invisible to humans in almost all conditions.

By definition, ultraviolet light is ‘beyond violet light’ and the visible spectrum that can be detected by the human eye. It cannot, therefore, be seen directly. Detectors that are sensitive to UV convert it into a form that we can see.

Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Although UV waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects, such as bumblebees, can see them. This is similar to how a dog can hear the sound of a whistle just outside the hearing range of humans.

2 Answers. There are several kinds of “UV Light.” Only kind I know of that “looks purple” is a so-called black light. Black lights emit UV that is very close to the top-end of the visible spectrum. The visible leakage from a black light stimulates both “red” and “blue” receptors in your eye, and you perceive purple.

Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength, and is associated with skin aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.

They feature lamps or LEDs that emit UV (ultraviolet) radiation. Exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, especially if you’re exposed over time. For example, it can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer.