Waves and Optics
Visible Light and Colour
To explain how objects appear different colours depending on the light they reflect or transmit.

What you will learn

Why objects appear different colours

How white light contains different colours

How materials reflect and absorb colours

How coloured filters change transmitted light

How lighting changes the colour an object appears
Explanation
White light contains the visible range of colours; objects appear coloured because they reflect some wavelengths and absorb others. An opaque red object appears red under white light because it reflects red light preferentially. Filters transmit selected colours and absorb others; an object’s appearance depends on the illumination as well as its reflecting properties. Example: Explain a black surface under white light. It absorbs most visible light and reflects little. Identify cause and effect.
