Why do we see color?

Why do we see color?

By Mike Cummings

​When we look at images/objects around us they are in color. We see these colors because of the different wavelengths of color in white light. Each wavelength has its own frequency or speed.

Each color found in white light has its own speed/frequency, our brain determines that speed and represents them as specific colors.

Multiple Choice

White light is made up of;

• wavelengths

  of energy

• different frequencies of

  energy

• wavelengths of

  color

• all the above

​Wavelengths that are the slowest will appear red in color, while those that are fastest will appear violet. We see red easier than we see violet.

Multiple Choice

Which color wavelength is the fastest? This color is hardest for us to see due to its speed.

• Yellow

• Red

• Violet

• Indigo

Multiple Choice

White light travels as wavelengths of energy. Each color in light travels at its own speed. Which colored wavelength of light is the slowest?

• Blue

• Green

• Yellow

• Red

​The color of the images or objects that we see is due to the reflection of the wavelength of color that scatters and is picked up by our eyes.

​We see the red rose because the red wavelengths within white light reflect off and is reflected into our eyes. We see the green stem for the same reason.

Multiple Choice

The colors of objects that we see are due to;

• the reflection of colored light

• the refraction of colored light

• the absorption of

  colored light

​Opaque objects appear the color of the light that they reflect and scatter all other colors are absorbed!

​Transparent objects appear the color of the light that passes through it, all other colors are absorbed.

​The colored wavelengths found in white light can be separated out by the property of refraction. If we slow down and bend white light enough we can get the individual wavelengths of color separated. This is known as a spectrum.

Multiple Choice

Translucent materials allow some light to pass through it. The color of the translucent object is due to;

• the color of light that passes through it

• the color of light

  that refracts off

  of it

• the color of light

  that is absorbed

  into the object

​Objects like cut glass, plastic or even diamond that separate white light into its separate wavelengths through refraction are known as prisms.

Multiple Choice

Cut objects often made of glass, plastic or diamond that refracts light enough that the wavelengths of color are separated out are known as;

• cubes

• pyramids

• primers

• prisms

​Raindrops and even oil can refract light into the spectrum. Rainbows are created when white light from the Sun is refracted by droplets of rain in the air!

Multiple Choice

Sunlight refracting through water droplets in the air is known as;

• a rainbow

• a colored arch

• a color wheel

• a Leprechaun bridge

​Because of each wavelength's speed, the color pattern in a spectrum/rainbow will always be the same. Red separates out first because it is the slowest wavelength and violet will always be last because it is the fastest. So, red is easier to see and violet is hardest to see, due to their frequencies. There are 7 main colors....ROY G BIV!

Multiple Choice

How many main colors are there in a rainbow/spectrum?

• 5

• 7

• 3

• 8

Multiple Choice

What is the scientific name for the wavelengths

of color in white light?

• a rainbow

• a spectacle

• a spectrum

Multiple Choice

Which colors of the rainbow are easiest to see?

• green, blue

  and indigo

• red, orange

  and yellow

• blue, indigo

  and violet

​Using the three light colors of red, green and blue we can make any other color of light. These three light colors are known as the "primary colors of light."

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not a primary color of white light?

• Red

• Yellow

• Green

• Blue

​When equal amounts of the primary colors of light are combined it will create white light.

Multiple Choice

The primary colors of light when equally

combined make

• white

• black

• Blue

• Green

​Pigments are dyes that are used to give objects color. These dyes are used to give color to things like paints, crayons, colored pencils, clothing dyes and pens.

​The "primary colors of pigments" are cyan, magenta and yellow. These three colors make every other pigment color.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not a primary pigment color?

• Red

• Cyan

• Yellow

• Magenta

​When the "primary colors of pigment" are equally combined together they create black!

Multiple Choice

When the "primary colors of pigment" are equally combined we get;

• Blue

• Black

• White

• Green

​Color is a figment of our imagination!