Question

Humans are unable to see ultraviolet (UV) light. However, bees and many other insects can detect ultraviolet light, which helps them find nectar in flowers. Plant species that depend on insect pollination may owe their reproductive success to their appearance in ultraviolet light rather than how colorful they appear to humans. Which statement describes how the visible spectrum is different from the non-visible energy such as UV radiation?
Responses

A Visible light has a greater intensity than UV light.Visible light has a greater intensity than UV light.

B Visible light travels a further distance than UV light.Visible light travels a further distance than UV light.

C Visible light has a different wavelength than UV light.Visible light has a different wavelength than UV light.

D Visible light travels at a different speed than UV light.Visible light travels at a different speed than UV light.
Question 2

The ability to sense infrared thermal radiation evolved independently in several different families of snakes. Essentially, it allows these animals to sense radiant heat so accurately that even a blind rattlesnake can accurately target prey. Other snakes may detect warm bodies from up to a meter away. Using the diagram provided, which would be the most likely wavelength of infrared radiation?
Responses

A 100 nm100 nm

B 100 mm100 mm

C 100 μm100 μm

D 100 cm100

Answer 1

Q1: C — Visible light has a different wavelength than UV light.
- UV is electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths (higher frequency/energy) than visible light. Speed in vacuum is the same; intensity and travel distance are not inherent spectrum differences.

Q2: C — 100 μm.
- Infrared ranges roughly from ~0.7 μm up to ~1 mm; 100 μm (0.1 mm) lies in the IR region (thermal IR is typically a few to a few tens of μm, but 100 μm is the only IR option given).