Colour theory
Learning goals We are learning to add colours of light together. We are learning to subtract colours of light.
Wave model of light light separates into the colours of the rainbow range of different colours of light is called the visible spectrum colours of the visible spectrum can be explained using the wave model
difference between colours of light is that each colour has a different wavelength red light has the longest wavelength in visible light violet light has the shortest wavelength in visible light
Mixing colours The millions of colours on a computer monitor or TV screen are produced with only three colours. Your eyes have three types of colour-receiving cone cells that respond to colours of light.
Additive colour theory
additive colour theory of light states that white light is composed of different colours (wavelengths) of light. it is possible to produce white light by combining only three colours.
Additive primary colours Red, Green, Blue if you mix correct amounts of all three primary colours of light, you will make white light
Additive secondary colours if you mix only two of the primary colours together, you will make a secondary colour the secondary colours of light are Magenta, Yellow, and Cyan
Subtractive colour theory
Light behaviour when a light wave strikes an object, some wavelengths of light reflect other wavelengths are absorbed by the object the colour we see depends on wavelengths reflected
Subtractive colour theory coloured matter selectively absorbs different colours or wavelengths of light colours that are absorbed are “subtracted” from the reflected light that is seen by the eye black object absorbs all colours, whereas a white object reflects all colours blue object reflects blue and absorbs all other colours
Subtractive colours opposite to the colours of the additive theory Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow are the primary subtractive colours Red, Green, and Blue are the secondary subtractive colours
remember if a colour is absorbed, it will not make it to your eye you only see the reflected colours
Learning goals We are learning to add colours of light together. We are learning to subtract colours of light.
Try this 1. What property of a light wave determines the colour of the light? 2. List the seven general categories of colour from the longest wavelength to the shortest wavelength. 3. What is the visible spectrum? 4. What does the additive colour theory of light state? 5. What does the subtractive colour theory of light state?