Uses of Light Energy on the Planet

There is hardly anyone who is not aware of the importance of light in this world. After all, it is because of light that we can see the world. There are various uses of light and understanding all can years. However, in this article, let’s try to look at some of the primary uses of light energy.

But before knowing the uses of light energy, first, let’s understand what light energy is.

What is light energy?

Light energy is a type of kinetic energy capable of causing different electromagnetic waves to be visible to human eyes. For example, electromagnetic radiation emitted by hot objects such as lasers, bulbs, and the sun is light.

Now without much ado, let’s dive into the top-notch uses of light energy.

Uses of Light Energy in Eight Steps

#1. Food 

Photosynthesis is a biological concept in which food is created through the use of light. For all living organisms on the planet, light is the sole source of food generation. Except for a few chemotrophic bacteria, almost all living beings rely on light for food and energy, either directly(plants) or indirectly(animals).

#2. Vitamin D synthesis

Vitamin D is a type of vitamin that requires an external source of supply. This is because sunlight can be used to synthesize it from ergosterol and cholesterol. The ergosterol beneath the skin converts to vitamin D when light falls on it. As a result, if someone is exposed to the sun for an extended period, he is more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency.

#3. Vision

Due to their eyes, all living beings, including birds, can see the objects around them. The eyes can receive the image of the objects and send the information to the brain because of light. We understand the objects based on this visual information. As a result, we can see that we couldn’t see anything in the dark. As a result, light allows us to see what is around us.

#4. Colors

Colors make the entire world appear to be beautiful. However, we cannot see colors in the dark. This is because light is the only thing that allows all of the colors in the world to exist. There are many different spectra of light. Each spectrum has a distinct color, which is referred to as VIBGYOR.

#5. Maintenance of temperature

Light is an energy form, and sunlight has tremendous energy. The sun’s light and heat energy are used to keep the Earth’s temperature stable enough for life to exist. In the absence of sunlight, the Earth’s temperature can plummet to where all of the planet’s water is frozen. Animals, particularly homeotherms, die instantly as a result of the low temperatures. Even poikilothermic animals may have a hard time surviving. As a result, light is required to maintain the Earth’s temperature and life extension.

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#6. Evaporation and drying

Because of its ability to heat, sunlight helps dry soil, forests, air, and rocky surfaces. It also aids in the evaporation of water from oceans and ponds. This drying is beneficial to life on Earth in two ways.

#7. Solar energy

Sunlight helps in the production of green or renewable energy. Solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and convert them to electric energy used in the home. This is by far one of the most important uses of light energy, which can change the world’s fate.

#8. Spectroscopy

Talking about the scientific uses of light energy, Spectrophotometry is a technique for analyzing compounds using light. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis can be done with this spectroscopy. The spectra and wavelength of light used in many types of spectroscopy vary. Colorimetry and atomic absorption spectroscopy are two of them. This spectroscopy can also be used in conjunction with other analytical techniques such as chromatography.

Uses of light energy – conclusion

Light energy has immense importance in the origin and sustenance of lifeforms in this world. Hence, the uses of light energy are so diverse that life will probably cease to exist on this planet without light.