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They are measured in terms of a smaller "unit value" to avoid constantly using the decimal or exponential values. That is, it is easier to compare wavelengths if they are expressed as integer values. A nanometer is just a convenient way of saying one-billionth of a meter.

Example : Humans can see wavelengths from about 390 to 750 nanometers ("visible light"), but birds can detect light farther into the ultraviolet range, 300 to 400 nanometers.

This is much simpler to compare than giving the values as 0.000000390 to .000000750 meters or as 3.9 x 10-7 to 7.5 x 10-7 meters.

To give a reverse analogy, you would not compare the distances between cities in terms of how many inches it was from one city to the next.

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Why do you think ultraviolet and visible light waves are usually measured in units of nanometers rather then meters or centimeters?

Ultraviolet and visible light waves have very short wavelengths, typically ranging from 100 nm to 700 nm. Using nanometers allows for convenient and precise measurement without having to work with very small decimal numbers when using meters or centimeters. Additionally, the dimensions of atoms and molecules are often in the order of nanometers, making nanometers a more appropriate unit for measuring light at this scale.


What is the wave length of an ultraviolet wave?

The wavelength of an ultraviolet wave typically ranges from about 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. This places ultraviolet waves just outside the visible light spectrum, which generally ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers.


Does ultraviolet have shoter wavelengths?

Yes, ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. UV light has wavelengths between 10 nanometers and 400 nanometers, while visible light has wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers.


How big are ultraviolet light waves?

Ultraviolet light waves typically have wavelengths ranging from 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. These waves are shorter in length and higher in energy compared to visible light waves.


Do ultraviolet rays have short or long wavelengths?

Ultraviolet rays have short wavelengths compared to visible light, ranging from about 10 to 400 nanometers.


The frequency of visible light falls between that of?

The frequency of visible light falls between ultraviolet and infrared light on the electromagnetic spectrum. It has wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers.


Does ultraviolet light have long or short wavelengths?

The wavelengths for UV light are shorter than for visible light, but much longer than for x-rays or gamma rays.


How long are ultraviolet waves?

Short answer: Very short More precise answer: 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers for one full wave (depending on how 'ultra' it is)


What are the limits of the period of visible light?

The period of visible light ranges from approximately 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers in wavelength. This corresponds to frequencies of about 430 THz to 750 THz. Beyond these limits, light is either in the ultraviolet or infrared spectrum.


Does ultraviolet light have a lower frequency than visible light?

No, ultraviolet light has a higher frequency than visible light. Visible light has wavelengths between about 400 to 700 nanometers, while ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths below 400 nanometers.


Is it true ultraviolet light had longer wavelength than visible light?

No, ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light. Visible light falls within the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers, while ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths below 400 nanometers.


What is 410nm?

410nm refers to a wavelength of light measured in nanometers. It falls within the ultraviolet range and is close to the visible spectrum. Wavelengths around 410nm are often used in scientific and industrial applications, such as fluorescence microscopy and UV curing processes.