Some species can detect portions of the electromagnetic spectrum outside the human visible range. For example, honeybees can see ultraviolet light, and some snakes can detect infrared radiation in addition to typical visual light cues.

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The electromagnetic spectrum is the complete range of electromagnetic radiation in the environment. It includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves.

Classification of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

In human vision, the physical properties of a light wave directly determine our perceptual experience. The wavelength of a light wave is perceived as its color (or hue), while its amplitude determines the perceived intensity or brightness of that light.

Relationship Between Physical Properties of Light and Visual Perception

An electromagnetic-spectrum diagram can compare radiation types by wavelength, frequency, and object-size scale. In the illustrated scale, wavelength increases from gamma rays at $${}10^{-12}$$ meters through X-rays at $${}10^{-10}$$ meters, ultraviolet at $${}10^{-8}$$ meters, visible light at $${}0.5 \times 10^{-6}$$ meters, infrared at $${}10^{-5}$$ meters, microwaves at $${}10^{-2}$$ meters, and radio waves at $${}10^3$$ meters. Across the same scale, the frequency labels decrease from $${}10^{20}$$ to $${}10^4$$ hertz, and the size comparison ranges from atomic nuclei to buildings.

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