Monday, 13 August 2012

Colour

The human eye can only perceive a small section of the electromagnetic spectrum. We call this section "VISIBLE LIGHT". Different colours across the spectrum correspond to different WAVELENGTHS of light.

Our eyes contain cells called CONES, which are sensitive to these different types of wavelength and allow us to see in COLOUR. Three different types of cone are affected by light in the RED, GREEN AND BLUE parts of the spectrum. These correspond to the PRIMARY COLOURS. Different light sources give out different parts of the spectrum, which appear as different colours. When combined, coloured lights appear as different colours. This is called the ADDITIVE PROCESS. Adding primary light sources in the correct proportions can produce the sensation of other colours in our eyes.

When light hits a pigment in an object, only some colours are reflected. Which colours are REFLECTED and which are ABSORBED depends on the pigment. This is the SUBTRACTIVE PROCESS. Looking at a coloured object in coloured light may make it appear different. This is because pigments can ONLY reflect colours that are PRESENT in the oncoming light.

Many thanks, much love, ADAM! :-) X

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