Question

A spaceship is designed to support animal life for a multiyear voyage to the outer planets of the solar system. plants will be grown to provide oxygen and to recycle carbon dioxide. because the spaceship will be too far from the sun for photosynthesis, an artificial light source will be needed. what wavelengths of light should be used to maximize plant growth with a minimum of energy expenditure?

Answer 1

Plants mostly use light wavelengths between 400 to 700 nm. This range is referred to as PAR or photosynthetically active radiation range. The wavelength of light that can be used for the situation given above is red and blue light. The approximate wavelength of the blue light is 455 to 492 nm while the red light is at 622 to 780 nm.