Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Visible light

Created image of a human eye with a rainbow iris.

Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic waves we can see. We see these waves as the colours of the rainbow. Each colour has a different wavelength. Red has the longest wavelength, and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all the waves are seen together, they make white light.

Image acknowledgement : Delcreations, 123RF Ltd

Glossary

Rights: Delcreations, 123RF Ltd
Published: 7 March 2018Size: 109.3 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Colours of light

Article

Colours of light

Light is made up of wavelengths of light, and each wavelength is a particular colour. The colour we see is ...

Read more
interactive image map that looks at the electromagnetic spectrum

Interactive

The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is a classification of the Sun’s radiation. Scientists have identified solar energy as a spectrum of many ...

Read more
Space revealed – introduction

Article

Space revealed – introduction

Astronomers studying space have two big problems:

Read more
Waves and energy – wave basics

Article

Waves and energy – wave basics

What is a wave? Most of us think of the waves we see at the beach. The waves come in ...

Read more
The electromagnetic spectrum – picture dictation

Activity

The electromagnetic spectrum – picture dictation

In this picture dictation activity, students use a range of skills to investigate some ways humans use the waves on ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato