What Does Light energy Mean
We explain what light energy is, its advantages, disadvantages, uses and other characteristics. Also, how to obtain it and examples.
What is light energy?
The light energy or light energy is the energy transported and composed by the waves of light . Therefore, to understand what we mean by this type of energy, we must first know what we call light.
Light is a type of electromagnetic radiation , made up of particles called photons. It is within a fringe of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes are capable of detecting. Visible light is between the infrared and ultraviolet areas of the spectrum, it has a particular range of frequencies, wavelengths and energies.
Light is transmitted through materials or even in a vacuum, as it is a form of radiation. The elementary particle associated with light is called a photon and as such behaves both as matter and as a wave .
Light energy is closely related to the amount of visible light that is considered in a situation , taking care to differentiate it from radiant energy, which includes other electromagnetic radiation of frequencies that are imperceptible to the human eye, such as X-rays, for example.
The branch of science in charge of studying the relationship between light and the visual system is photometry.
See also: Chemical energy
Characteristics of light energy
Light energy is represented by the symbol Qv. In physics it is expressed in lumens per second (lm.s), since it is defined as the flux of light in a given time t (Qv = F. T) .
Its interaction with objects is given in terms materials, and always depends on the properties physicochemical the illuminated object and the geometric orientation with the light hits. Thus, some objects absorb light energy and others partially reflect it , which precisely explains the appearance of colors that the human eye can capture.
How is light energy obtained?
Light energy is always obtained from light and, therefore, can be generated naturally or artificially, through various means.
- Naturally . Light energy is the product of a certain type of chemical reactions exoenergéticas, ie that release energy, such as those taking place within the stars , like the sun . In fact, the Sun is our great source of everyday light energy.
- Artificially . Light energy can be generated through different physical-chemical mechanisms, such as combustion , or also through electricity , as we do every day when we turn on a light bulb.
Advantages and disadvantages of light energy
Light energy is particularly necessary as it allows us to see and differentiate the reality around us . On the other hand, it is possible to give it practical uses through various mechanisms and technologies .
For example, photovoltaic cells convert it into electricity and the night lighting that we have used for thousands of years makes us less dependent on the Sun. More recently, film and photography have made it possible to capture light in photosensitive substances.
Light energy cannot be created from scratch, it always requires a light source , so it cannot occur spontaneously.
Uses and applications of light energy
Some of the uses of light energy are:
- Maintain bright environments when the sun has fallen, or when sunlight does not have access to them.
- Project and capture images on film and sensitive surfaces, such as in photography or film.
- Through concentrators, this energy can be used to generate other types of energy , such as in solar panels or in the classic case of burning a leaf with a magnifying glass.
Examples of light energy
The Sun is the largest source of light energy that we know of. It is a huge mass of atoms in space , which interact through nuclear reactions generating heat , light energy and many other forms of radiation. The light energy from the Sun lights up the planet and gives it heat , which is key to climate stability and the perpetuation of life .
Other possible examples of light energy are found when lighting a lamp, a flashlight , or any similar device.
Continue with: Electric power