Re: [Phys-l] Physics Grammar

["Bill Nettles" <bnettles@uu.edu>]

bc, I agree with the IR and UV stuff. IR radiation, UV radiation. But the word "light" is a convenient shorthand way (and we all need more time in class, right?) to say "visible electromagnetic radiation". It would certainly get pretentious and become the source of all kinds of caricatures if we lectured "red visible EMR has a longer wavelength than x-ray EMR."

I like using "light" as a shorthand for human visible EMR.  I interchangably use "gamma radiation" and "gamma ray" but I never say "gamma light." Does anybody say that? What about "microwave light?"  Hmmm.

Oh, let's don't get into "sound" and "sound waves." Anyway, the proper name is "phonons." :)

BN
Union University

> > > Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com> 1/23/2008 4:17 pm >>>
Sound waves are not sound --- sound is the perception of sound waves.  
Similarly, light is the perception of EM  radiation -- specifically by 
eyes.  I understand some "primitive" animals had / have light sensitive 
spots; these are probably considered precursors of eyes and may be 
considered as eyes for the purpose of the definition.  IR on the skin 
does not count. 

bc has never heard the expression IR light, right?  It's IR radiation, 
so there!   BTW, by my definition one perhaps might include, as another 
points out, some UV wavelengths, as I can see bright UV, because my, and 
I suppose most others', cornea and or the aqueous, and / or the lens 
fluoresces *.  But no way is the eye acting as a camera; it's just a 
bluish whitish sheen, and I don't recommend anyone trying this for long 
if one doesn't want the next day to think there's sand in their eyes.

* So one isn't seeing UV!  But then that means discussing what seeing 
is.  Reminds me of what is, is.