The interaction between the eye and light emitted or reflected by an object allows sight to occur.
How Do We See Colors?
The absorption and reflection of light waves by various materials results in human perception of color.
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- White light is made up of all the colors of the visible spectrum (ROYGBIV). Each color of the visible spectrum has its own unique wavelength and frequency.
- Most materials absorb light of some color frequencies and reflect the rest.
- If a material absorbs a certain frequency of light, that frequency will not be reflected, so its color will not be perceived by the observer.
- If the material does not absorb a certain frequency of light, that frequency will be reflected, so its color will be perceived by the observer.
- If all colors of light are reflected by a material, it will appear white.
- If all colors of light are absorbed by a material, it will appear black.
Color Filters
Color filters allow only certain colors of light transmit through them; they absorb or reflect all other colors.
- For example, a blue filter only allows blue light to transmit through.
- Objects seen through a blue filter will appear blue if the object has the ability to reflect blue light; objects of other colors will appear black because the other color wavelengths are being absorbed by the filter.
The colors that we see depends on: (1) the color of light that is shined on the object.
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Experiment with Different Colors and Color Filters
Interactive Guide:
- Select Single Bulb option - shine the flashlight at the observer. Experiment with the bulb color and the filter color. Be sure to switch ON the color filter. How does the filter color affect what the observer sees? How can you make the light appear to disappear using color filters?
- Select the RGB Bulbs option - shine different combinations of red, green, and blue light at the observer. What does the observer see when you "mix" different colors of light?
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- We "see" the colors of the visible spectrum that are reflected off objects and reach our eyes.
- Color filters can alter what colors of white light are allowed to be transmitted.