A reflected color is the color we perceive an object to be because that specific color of light is bounced back (reflected) into our eyes, while other colors of light are absorbed. A common example is the red color of an apple.
How Reflected Color Works
When white light (which contains all the colors of the rainbow) shines on an apple, the apple's surface absorbs most of the colors in the light spectrum. However, it reflects the red wavelengths. This reflected red light enters our eyes, and our brain interprets this as the apple being red.
- White Light: Contains all colors.
- Absorption: The apple absorbs most colors of light.
- Reflection: The apple reflects red light.
- Perception: Our eyes see the reflected red light, and we perceive the apple as red.
Other Examples
This phenomenon applies to all colored objects:
- Banana: Reflects yellow light.
- Blueberry: Reflects blue light.
- Green Leaf: Reflects green light.
- A white t-shirt: Reflects all colors of light, appearing white.
- A black t-shirt: Absorbs all colors of light, appearing black.
In essence, the color we see is the color that is not absorbed but reflected by the object.
