Some species can detect portions of the electromagnetic spectrum outside the human visible range. For example, honeybees can see light in the ultraviolet range (Wakakuwa, Stavenga, & Arikawa, 2007), and some snakes can detect infrared radiation in addition to more traditional visual light cues (Chen, Deng, Brauth, Ding, & Tang, 2012; Hartline, Kass, & Loop, 1978).

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The electromagnetic spectrum is the complete range of electromagnetic radiation in the environment, organized by wavelength and frequency. It includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light (which occupies a relatively small range of frequencies between infrared and ultraviolet), 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

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.

Visual Representation of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Nonhuman Detection of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

In human vision, the physical properties of a light wave directly determine our perceptual experience. The wavelength and its associated frequency dictate the perceived color or hue of the light. Meanwhile, the amplitude determines the perceived intensity or brightness of that light.

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