Clarification of White Light/Superposition

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

Hello;

White light is a superposition of seven different wavelengths of light, correct?

If this is true, does white light have a definite wavelength, even if it is a superposition of seven different wavelengths? Or does the wavelength of white light periodically change?

Thanks.

 

[granpa]

wavelength is only meaningful for single frequencies.

light from the sun is made a a virtually infinite number of wavelengths.

the eye has 3 types of receptors so you only need 3 frequencies to make what appears to us as white light.

 

[ACPower]

"White" light is typically classified based on an idealized black body spectrum of wavelength intensities for a given temperature, in Kelvin. For example, photographers talk of 6500Kelvin as 'daylight'.

 

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

Thanks, that clarifies it.

 

[sardar]

Hello,

Yes, you are correct. White light is a superposition of seven different wavelengths of light, also known as the visible spectrum. This includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet light. Each of these colors has a specific wavelength, ranging from approximately 400 nanometers for violet to 700 nanometers for red. When these wavelengths are combined, they create the sensation of white light to the human eye.

However, it is important to note that white light does not have a single, definitive wavelength. It is a combination of multiple wavelengths, and therefore does not have a specific wavelength of its own. The individual wavelengths of the visible spectrum that make up white light do not change periodically. They remain constant and are always present in white light.

I hope this helps clarify your understanding of white light and superposition. Let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you.