When you see an apple, it
appears red. When you see a tree, it appears blue. Just what is the clue to looking at
objects that gives off its different distinct colours ??
When light hits an opaque
surface, they could be bounced off, absorbed or reflected. An opaque object reflects
certain colours and absorbs other colours.
The Colour of an object
depends upon the colour of the light it reflects.
Thus, Colour of object
= Colour of reflected light
A red object appears red
because it reflects red light and absorbs other colours. A green object appears green
because it reflects green light and absorbs other colours. Why do you think an object
looks blue ? Take a look at the diagrams below.
Black and White
However, there are certain
exceptions to this rule. Neither white nor black are really colours. A white object
reflects all colours. When you view a white object under blue light it appears blue
because it reflects blue light. On the other hand, a black object reflects no
colours. Thus, it will always appear black regardless of whatever light being
shoned on it.
