1. COLOR and Light
February 6, 2014

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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