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A line graph of sensitivity on y axis and wavelength on x axis is shown. The graph depicts three skewed curves, representing three types of cones and each type is sensitive to different ranges of wavelengths. The range of wavelength is between three hundred and fifty to seven hundred nanometers. For blue range, the curve peaks at four hundred and twenty nanometers and sensitivity is zero point two. For green range, the curve peaks at five hundred and twenty nanometers and the sensitivity is shown to be one point zero. For yellow range, the curve peaks at five hundred and ninety nanometers and sensitivity is at one point zero.
The image shows the relative sensitivity of the three types of cones, which are named according to wavelengths of greatest sensitivity. Rods are about 1000 times more sensitive, and their curve peaks at about 500 nm. Evidence for the three types of cones comes from direct measurements in animal and human eyes and testing of color blind people.

Consider why various objects display color—that is, why are feathers blue and red in a crimson rosella? The true color of an object is defined by its absorptive or reflective characteristics. [link] shows white light falling on three different objects, one pure blue, one pure red, and one black, as well as pure red light falling on a white object. Other hues are created by more complex absorption characteristics. Pink, for example on a galah cockatoo, can be due to weak absorption of all colors except red. An object can appear a different color under non-white illumination. For example, a pure blue object illuminated with pure red light will appear black, because it absorbs all the red light falling on it. But, the true color of the object is blue, which is independent of illumination.

Four flat rectangular structures, named as Blue object, Red object, Black object, and White object are shown. The red, blue, and black objects are illuminated by white light shown by six rays of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The blue rectangle is emitting blue ray and it appears blue. The red rectangle is emitting red ray and it appears red while the black rectangle has absorbed all colors and appears black. The white rectangle is illuminated only by red light and emits red ray but appears white.
Absorption characteristics determine the true color of an object. Here, three objects are illuminated by white light, and one by pure red light. White is the equal mixture of all visible wavelengths; black is the absence of light.

Similarly, light sources have colors that are defined by the wavelengths they produce. A helium-neon laser emits pure red light. In fact, the phrase “pure red light” is defined by having a sharp constrained spectrum, a characteristic of laser light. The Sun produces a broad yellowish spectrum, fluorescent lights emit bluish-white light, and incandescent lights emit reddish-white hues as seen in [link] . As you would expect, you sense these colors when viewing the light source directly or when illuminating a white object with them. All of this fits neatly into the simplified theory that a combination of wavelengths produces various hues.

Take-home experiment: exploring color addition

This activity is best done with plastic sheets of different colors as they allow more light to pass through to our eyes. However, thin sheets of paper and fabric can also be used. Overlay different colors of the material and hold them up to a white light. Using the theory described above, explain the colors you observe. You could also try mixing different crayon colors.

Four curves showing emission spectra for light sources like the Sun shown as curve A, fluorescent light source shown as curve B, incandescent light source as curve C, and helium-neon laser light source as curve D are depicted in a relative intensity versus wavelength graph. Curve A is a simple curve. Curve B has four spikes at different intensity. Curve C is a linear curve. Curve D is represented as a spike with relative intensity around two hundred and twenty on the scale of zero to two hundred and twenty and wavelength around six hundred and twenty nanometers.
Emission spectra for various light sources are shown. Curve A is average sunlight at Earth’s surface, curve B is light from a fluorescent lamp, and curve C is the output of an incandescent light. The spike for a helium-neon laser (curve D) is due to its pure wavelength emission. The spikes in the fluorescent output are due to atomic spectra—a topic that will be explored later.

Color constancy and a modified theory of color vision

The eye-brain color-sensing system can, by comparing various objects in its view, perceive the true color of an object under varying lighting conditions—an ability that is called color constancy    . We can sense that a white tablecloth, for example, is white whether it is illuminated by sunlight, fluorescent light, or candlelight. The wavelengths entering the eye are quite different in each case, as the graphs in [link] imply, but our color vision can detect the true color by comparing the tablecloth with its surroundings.

Practice Key Terms 6

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Source:  OpenStax, Physics for the modern world. OpenStax CNX. Sep 16, 2015 Download for free at http://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11865/1.3
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