What Is the Wavelength of White Light?

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White light is not defined by a single wavelength but is composed of a combination of all visible wavelengths, ranging from approximately 400nm (violet) to 750nm (red). It can be conceptualized as a group of photons of various wavelengths traveling together. For a clearer understanding, it is suggested to approach light as an electromagnetic wave governed by Maxwell's equations rather than focusing on the particle aspect of photons. The discussion also references the phenomenon of light dispersion, such as how a prism can separate white light into its constituent colors. Understanding these concepts helps clarify the nature of white light in the context of the visible spectrum.
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I know the visible spectrum,(400nm(violet)-750nm(red)) but I can't seem to find the wavelength of white light, can anyone help me out with this?
 
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"White light" is NOT a single wavelength- it consists of light of all (visible) wavelengths.
 
So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?
 
ilikescience94 said:
So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?

Pretty much, yes.
 
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ilikescience94 said:
So is it a group of photons of all visible wavelengths traveling together in tandem?

That's a reasonable model.

However you can save yourself some grief by thinking of light classically, as an electromagnetic wave governed by Maxwell's equations instead of particles called "photons", whenever possible. You don't really need the photon concept until you're doing quantum mechanics - until then it's as likely to confuse as to clarify.
 
ilikescience94 said:
I know the visible spectrum,(400nm(violet)-750nm(red)) but I can't seem to find the wavelength of white light, can anyone help me out with this?

Ilikescience94, Welcome here to Physics Forums!

Since you already know the wavelengths of some of the colors within the visible spectrum you are close to answering your own question.

How is a rainbow created? Have you ever seen the experiment where white light is passed through a prism? May I suggest you have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_spectrum

Cheers, Bobbywhy
 

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