Basic Light Properties
Light travels as electromagnetic waves, with different wavelengths producing various colors visible to the human eye. The visible spectrum ranges from approximately 380 nanometers (violet) to 700 nanometers (red). White light contains all visible wavelengths, while objects appear colored by reflecting specific wavelengths and absorbing others. This phenomenon creates the rich variety of colors we see in nature.
Color Perception
The human eye contains three types of cone cells sensitive to different wavelengths: red, green, and blue. When light strikes these cells, they send signals to the brain, which interprets combinations of these signals as different colors. This trichromatic vision system can distinguish millions of color variations. The brain also processes color context, creating effects like color constancy under different lighting conditions.
Practical Applications
Understanding color spectra is crucial for numerous technologies. Digital displays use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) combinations to create colors. Photography and printing rely on color theory for accurate reproduction. Specialized applications include spectroscopy for chemical analysis, color therapy in medicine, and architectural lighting design. Modern LED technology allows precise control of wavelengths for specific purposes.Shutdown123