0
$\begingroup$

I was just wondering what happens when you see a visible light, for example violet, and that light slowly increases/decreases until it's not visible to the human eye. Will it fade or just become instantly invisible? Could it even injure and cause blindness?

$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Welcome! Saying that the "light slowly increases/decreases" can mean two different things: a gradual change of the light's intensity or of its wavelength. Both such processes can appear to be the same but are physically quite different. $\endgroup$
    – Amit
    Jun 1 at 17:36

2 Answers 2

1
$\begingroup$

Will it fade or just become instantly invisible?

It will fade out as its wavelength gets further from the peak sensitivity wavelength of the eye (or of a specific photoreceptor in the eye).

Could it even injure and cause blindness?

Yes, light at invisible wavelengths can cause injuries or blindness.

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Sunburn might be the most common example of invisible wavelengths (ultraviolet) causing injury. $\endgroup$ Jun 1 at 18:24
0
$\begingroup$

It will fade in or out and a good example can be seen when you slowly heat something up until it starts to radiate from inferred to red visible light.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.