Invisible Wavelengths

This Teaching Astronomy and Space video clip, from the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), shows a simple demonstration to illustrate wavelengths of radiation that are invisible to the human eye, but which can be detected using a camera phone or digital camera.

The camera of a mobile phone or digital camera can detect wavelengths near infrared. These are the wavelengths used by remote controls for televisions and other consumer electronics. Whilst the human eye cannot detect the wavelength, pressing the control buttons will show as a flashing emitter on the remote control.

A simple but effective way of encouraging students to think about the electromagnetic spectrum, waves and wavelength.

Please refer to the information and acknowledgements for this resource.

STFC is a part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) partnership of research councils.