Are wavelengths well defined or vague?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Simfish
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Wavelengths
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition of wavelengths, particularly the boundaries between ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, as well as gamma rays and x-rays. Participants agree that while some boundaries, such as UV-A and UV-B, are widely accepted, many are vague and can be influenced by the Sorites Paradox. Additionally, there is no upper limit to the energy of gamma rays, with the highest energy gamma rays likely originating from quasars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic spectrum terminology
  • Familiarity with the Sorites Paradox
  • Knowledge of gamma ray properties and sources
  • Basic principles of blackbody radiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electromagnetic spectrum and its subdivisions
  • Explore the Sorites Paradox in detail
  • Investigate the highest energy gamma rays detected and their sources
  • Study blackbody radiation and its implications for photon emission
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, educators, and students interested in the properties of light and radiation, as well as those exploring the nuances of wavelength definitions and their implications in scientific discussions.

Simfish
Gold Member
Messages
811
Reaction score
2
As in, for example, boundaries between UV and visible, UV-A and UV-B, blue and purple, gamma rays and x-rays. Or are they ill-defined and subject to the Sorites Paradox?

Also, does anyone know if there is a highest level of energy a gamma ray can have?

Thanks!
 
Science news on Phys.org
There are some bands with very widely-accepted boundaries, but, for the most part, the boundaries are vague. There is no limit to gamma ray energy.

- Warren
 
Okay. Which are the widely accepted boundaries? And what's the highest energy gamma ray ever detected? (I would suspect that it came from some quasar)... Though since all energy sources are emitted from a blackbody spectrum, there would be comparatively few photons of such wavelengths
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Interaction of EM radiation with Glass
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Would wearing sunscreen help during a nuclear disaster/attack?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad UV and IR Light: Common Misconceptions and Questions
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Why are X-rays absorbed in the atmosphere.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
Undergrad How come there is visible light in Uv lights?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Particle and wave model understanding -- help please
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate EM Penetration Depth Into the Ground
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Undergrad What Determines the Transparency of Materials to Light?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Undergrad What Determines Whether Radiation Passes Through Materials?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Photoelectric effect and atomic excitation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K