What is the term for electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye?

Electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye is referred to as visible light. This range of electromagnetic waves has wavelengths between approximately 400 nanometers (violet) and 700 nanometers (red), which allows us to see a spectrum of colors. The human eye is specifically adapted to detect these wavelengths, making visible light crucial for our perception of the world around us.

In contrast, infrared radiation has wavelengths longer than visible light, which makes it invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. X-rays, on the other hand, have even shorter wavelengths and are primarily used in medical imaging. Microwaves fall into a different category of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than visible light but are utilized for cooking and communication technologies rather than human sight. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why visible light is the only form of electromagnetic radiation detectable by our eyes.