Energy Spectrum
Producers use a portion of solar energy, called light energy, in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum: the range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun and other sources.
Electromagnetic radiation are forms of energy that travel in tiny “waves.” Each type of radiation has a characteristic distance between the high points on its wave, which is called wavelength. Wavelength is measured in units of nanometers (nm), where one nm is one billionth (10-9) of a meter. Radiation with a shorter wavelength has more energy.
Solar energy contains multiple types of electromagnetic radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. Interact with the diagram to explore the different types of radiation, including the type that producers can use for energy.