COLOR and Light February 6, 2014
How does light interact with matter? Light can interact 3 ways: 1. reflected – light waves bounce of objects 2. absorbed – light is taken in object (heated) 3. transmitted – light passes through matter
Looking through a window all 3 interactions can be observed How? Seeing through glass (transmitted) Seeing your reflection in glass (reflected) Feeling the heat of the glass (absorbed)
Transparent, translucent, and opaque, what’s the difference? Transparent – allows light to pass through without interference Ex. Clear glass Translucent – transmits light but does not transmit an image ex. Frosted glass Opaque – no light transmitted, can not see through ex. Aluminum foil
How do we see colors? Our eyes detect wavelengths of light reflected off objects White light is made up all colors of light The color of your shirt is the color that is being reflected not absorbed
What are the primary colors of light? Colors of light that when mixed together equally make white light Red, Blue and Green light Mixing of primary colors can produce all other colors of light
What are the primary pigments of color? Colors of pigments that can make all other colors Cyan, Yellow, and Magenta Used in printing along with black to make the colors of photographs
What is diffraction? Bending of waves around barriers or through openings The greatest amount of diffraction occurs when the barrier or opening is the same size or smaller than the wavelength