Real Life Applications of Light Energy

Last Updated : 20 Mar, 2024

The most important real life application of light energy is that it enables humans and animals to see world around them. The most important source of light energy is the sun. The application of light energy is not limited to visibility. In this article, we will learn in detail about the various applications of light energy.

What are Real Life Applications of Light Energy?

Light energy is one of the most important form energy in the universe. The real life uses of light energy is discussed below:

Light Helps us to See

This is one of the most important functions of light energy. When light energy falls on any object, it makes it illuminating, and after striking the object, it gets reflected and enters our eyes. The reflected light rays fall on the retina of our eyes, form an image of the object, and thus help us see the object.

Solar Power Generation

Solar power generation is one of the most well-known uses of light energy. Solar panels, sometimes called photovoltaic cells, are devices that directly convert sunlight into electrical power. Sunlight is harnessed via solar farms, rooftop installations, and portable solar chargers to produce clean, renewable energy for a variety of uses.

Optical Fiber Communication

Optical Fiber cables carry information in the form of light energy. These cables use light pulses to convey data, making it possible to have phone conversations, send television broadcasts, and connect to the internet at rapid speeds. Fiber optics provide more bandwidth, faster data transfer speeds, and resilience to electromagnetic interference as compared to conventional copper cables.

Photosynthesis in Plants

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen in presence of light energy. This essential biochemical process provides energy for all living things and not only keeps plants alive but also serves as the foundation of the food chain. Agricultural Productivity is primarily dependent on photosynthesis to build up biomass and produce grains.

Photography

Light energy is fundamental in photography, where it is used to capture images. Cameras utilize lenses to focus light onto light-sensitive surfaces, such as film or digital sensors, allowing for the creation of photographs. Light energy is used to expose photosensitive materials, such as film or digital camera sensors, to create images.

Real-Life Experiments of Light Energy

Real life experiments based on light energy is based below:

Solar Oven Construction

Materials: Cardboard box (preferably with a lid), Aluminum foil, Glue or adhesive tape, Black construction paper or paint, Clear plastic or glass sheet (to act as a cover), Insulating material (such as newspaper or Styrofoam), Scissors, Ruler, Marker.

Procedure: Firstly, choose a sturdy cardboard box and seal any gaps to prevent heat loss. Line the inside of the box with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight inward, maximizing heat absorption. Next, create an insulation layer using materials like newspaper or Styrofoam to trap heat inside the oven. Place a black construction paper or cardboard absorber plate at the bottom of the box, or paint it black to absorb more heat. Construct a lid covered with aluminum foil to reflect additional sunlight, and attach a clear plastic or glass sheet to act as a cover. Finally, test the solar oven in direct sunlight, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer, and adjust its position or angle to maximize sunlight exposure for efficient cooking.

Explanation: Solar oven or solar cooker operates on the principle of converting sunlight into heat energy, which is then trapped and utilized for cooking.

Spectral Analysis of Light

Material: Prism or diffraction grating, Light source (such as sunlight, a flashlight, or a lamp), White screen or surface for projection, spectrometer for precise measurements.

Procedure: Spectral analysis of light uses a prism or diffraction grating to disperse light into its constituent wavelengths. As light passes through the prism or grating, it refracts and separates into a spectrum of colors, projected onto a screen. This spectrum, resembling a rainbow, ranges from violet to red, with each color corresponding to a distinct wavelength. Optionally, a spectrometer can measure light intensity at different wavelengths for detailed analysis. This process provides insights into light’s composition and materials’ interaction with it, aiding advancements in physics, astronomy, chemistry, and materials science.

Explanation: Spectral analysis of light involves the dispersion of light into its constituent colors, known as a spectrum. This dispersion occurs because different colors of light have different wavelengths, and materials like prisms or diffraction gratings can bend light at different angles based on its wavelength.