Seeing Color

Front

What is the visible light spectrum?

Back

The visible light spectrum is the range of wavelengths of light that can be seen by the human eye, typically from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red).

Front

List the colors of the visible light spectrum in order from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength.

Back

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

Front

What happens when an object appears white?

Back

An object appears white because it reflects all wavelengths of visible light.

Front

What is the reason a purple shirt appears purple?

Back

A purple shirt appears purple because it absorbs all wavelengths of light except for the purple wavelength, which it reflects.

Front

What is the acronym used to remember the order of colors in the visible spectrum?

Back

ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

Front

What is wavelength in the context of light?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between successive peaks of a wave, which determines the color of light.

Front

How does light interact with colored objects?

Back

Colored objects absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, which determines their color.

Front

What is the difference between reflection and absorption of light?

Back

Reflection is when light bounces off an object, while absorption is when light is taken in by an object.

Front

Why does a red shirt look red under white light?

Back

A red shirt looks red under white light because it reflects red wavelengths and absorbs all other wavelengths.

Front

What is the role of the human eye in seeing color?

Back

The human eye contains photoreceptors (cones) that detect different wavelengths of light, allowing us to perceive color.