What Is the Wavelength of White Light?

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SUMMARY

White light is not a single wavelength but rather a combination of all visible wavelengths, ranging from 400nm (violet) to 750nm (red). It can be modeled as a group of photons traveling together, but a classical understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave governed by Maxwell's equations is more beneficial for foundational knowledge. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the visible spectrum and suggests exploring how white light disperses through a prism to create a rainbow.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the visible spectrum (400nm to 750nm)
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's equations
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic waves
  • Concept of light dispersion through prisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of electromagnetic waves as described by Maxwell's equations
  • Study the process of light dispersion and refraction in prisms
  • Explore the quantum mechanics of photons and their role in light behavior
  • Investigate the creation of rainbows and the physics behind them
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in optics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its behavior in different mediums.

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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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