A SLIVER OF REALITY

 A

A

That image is a classic for a reason—it really puts into perspective how limited human biology is. We think we see "everything," but we are essentially looking at the world through a tiny pinhole.

The diagram illustrates the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum, which is the range of all types of EM radiation. Here is a breakdown of what you are seeing and how these waves relate to one another.

---

The Fundamental Relationship

In physics, wavelength ($\lambda$) and frequency ($f$) are inversely proportional. As the wavelength gets shorter (the waves get "scrunchier" on the right), the frequency—and therefore the energy—increases. This relationship is defined by:

$$c = \lambda f$$

Where $c$ is the speed of light (approximately $3 \times 10^8$ meters per second).

Navigating the Spectrum

Type	Scale/Wavelength	Common Use/Fact
Radio Waves	Buildings to Foot-longs	WiFi, FM/AM radio, and TV signals.
Microwaves	Butterflies	Heating food and satellite communications.
Infrared	Needle points	Thermal imaging (heat) and your TV remote.
Visible Light	Protozoans	The only part we can see; rainbows!
Ultraviolet	Molecules	Causes sunburns; used for sterilization.
X-Rays	Atoms	Medical imaging; can pass through soft tissue.
Gamma Waves	Atomic Nuclei	Highest energy; produced by supernovas or radioactive decay.

---

"A Sliver of Reality"

The text in your image mentions that our eyes show us only a "sliver." To give you a sense of just how small that sliver is: if the entire EM spectrum were a keyboard stretching from New York to California, the visible light portion would be the width of a single key.

Other animals actually see more of this spectrum than we do:

• Bees can see into the Ultraviolet to find nectar patterns on flowers.

• Pit Vipers have "pit organs" that allow them to "see" Infrared (heat) to hunt at night.

Would you like me to explain more about how we use the "invisible" parts of the spectrum, like how X-rays or Radio waves actually work?