Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What is the range of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can detect?

1. 250-450 nanometers

2. 390-700 nanometers

3. 300-650 nanometers

4. 400-800 nanometers

The correct answer is: 390-700 nanometers

The range of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can detect, commonly referred to as the visible spectrum, is indeed from approximately 390 to 700 nanometers. This range includes all the colors that the average human eye can perceive, spanning from violet at the lower end (around 380-450 nanometers) to red at the upper end (around 620-750 nanometers). This visible spectrum plays a critical role in our daily lives, influencing our perception, behavior, and even biological processes such as circadian rhythms. Understanding this range can help in various fields, including art, lighting design, communications, and even pest management, where visual cues can be important for identifying insect species or understanding their behavior. The other ranges presented do not encompass the full range of human visual perception, which is why they are not accurate. Specifically, some may fall short of including all visible wavelengths, while others may exceed the limits of human capability to detect light.