Photochemistry of Vision (Handbook of Sensory Physiology, 7 /

Photochemistry of Vision (Handbook of Sensory Physiology, 7 / 1)

Radiation can only affect matter if absorbed by it. Within the broad range of 300-1000 nm, which we call "the visible", light quanta are energetic enough to produce excited electronic states in the atoms and molecules that absorb them. In these states the molecules may have quite different properties from those in their dormant condition, and reactions that would not otherwise occur become possible. About 80 % of the radiant energy emitted by our sun lies in this fertile band, and so long as the sun's surface temperature is maintained at about 6000Â° C this state of affairs will continue. This and the transparency of our atmosphere and waters have allowed the generation and evolution of life. Before life began the atmosphere probably also transmitted much of the solar short-wave radiation, but with the rise of vegetation a new product - oxygen - appeared and this, by a photochemical reaction in the upper atmosphere, led to the ozone layer that now protects us from the energetic "short-wave" quanta that once, perhaps, took part in the generation of life-molecules. Light is an ideal sensory stimulus. It travels in straight lines at great speed and, consequently, can be made to form an image from which an animal can make "true", continuous and immediate assessments of present and impending events.
Country USA
Brand Springer
Manufacturer Springer
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber black & white illustrations, bibliograph
ReleaseDate 2011-11-15
UnitCount 1
Format Illustrated
EANs 9783642650680

Country	USA
Brand	Springer
Manufacturer	Springer
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	black & white illustrations, bibliograph
ReleaseDate	2011-11-15
UnitCount	1
Format	Illustrated
EANs	9783642650680

Photochemistry of Vision (Handbook of Sensory Physiology, 7 / 1)

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