Is light different in nature from other frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum?

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Let me rephrase the question – Do we call the Visible Spectrum that because that’s what we can see or is there something different about that part of electromagnetic spectrum (ES) that allow vision to occur. Alternately, If light is dual in nature, being both a wave and a particle, is that the same for other parts of the ES?

Which brings me to the question that I’m most curious about; would it be possible for a creature exist that can see, the same way we see, but using frequencies from other areas of the ES?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Yes. Light is electromagnetic radiation, and not inherently different from other electromagnetic radiation in itself.

What makes visible light special is the sweet spot it occupies when it comes to interaction with matter. Most basic electronic transitions occur in the visible range, so our eyes evolved into that niche that is both accessible for biochemistry, and as well give useful information about our environment.

Our visibility also cuts off right at the infrared wavelength, beyond our vision would be blinded by thermal radiation anyway.

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