How do you know Colours?

COLOUR

Light is the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. We see different wavelengths of light as different colours. The surfaces of objects absorb some wavelengths and reflect others. A white object looks white because it reflects all the wavelengths that fall on it. A black object absorbs all the wavelengths, so it appears dark.

A yellow object absorbs all the wavelengths except yellow, which it reflects back to our eyes. The band of visible colours that make up light is known as the spectrum. Each shade blends into the next, but we usually divide the spectrum into seven colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

SYMBOLISM We use colours as symbols to represent different ideas in culture and religion. However, the meaning of colours may vary. For example, in some cultures brides wear red, whereas in others they wear white.

COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS If the colours of the spectrum are arranged in order on a colour wheel, colours located opposite each other, such as orange and blue, are called complementary colours. When complementary colours are presented side by side, they appear at their brightest.

VIOLET Light at the violet end of the visible spectrum has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than light at the red end of the spectrum.

REAL COLOURS The light reflected from an object is made up of a range of wavelengths. An object that looks yellow might reflect 80 per cent of the light at the yellow wavelength, but also smaller amounts of other colour wavelengths.

COLOUR BLINDNESS Our ability to detect colours depends on cells on the eye’s retina, which are sensitive to specific wavelengths of light. The cells that detect certain parts of the spectrum are missing or inactive in a colour-blind person.

INTENSITY On a sunny day, things appear colourful because our eyes can see differences in the wavelengths of light. On a dark day, less light enters the eyes, so we cannot distinguish wavelengths as easily and colours look dull.

SPLITTING WHITE LIGHT When white light passes through a block of glass called a prism, different wavelengths refract (bend) different amounts, so the light splits showing the colours of the spectrum. When light passes through raindrops this effect creates a rainbow.

Picture Credit : Google

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