1. Absorption and reflection
Light Waves
Absorption and reflection

2. Light comes in many wavelengths – visible light from 400-800 nm

3. We see different colors because the objects reflect different wavelengths of light
For example, a black object absorbs all light and reflects nothing (this is why black t-shirts get really hot in the sun)
A white object reflects all light and absorbs nothing
A green object reflects green light and absorbs all of the other colors

4. You see what’s reflected
You don’t see what’s absorbed by the object
So a red shirt is absorbing all colors except for red and reflecting red back to your eyes

5. Plant pigments
Plant leaves are usually green because the chlorophyll pigment in them absorbs all of the light except green light
Green light is reflected back

6. Plant pigments Plants do, however have other pigments in them like
Xanthrophyll – yellow
Carotene – orange
Anthocyanin – red/purple