Green looks green because of how objects interact with visible light. Specifically, the colors we see are the result of wavelengths of light being absorbed and reflected.
The Science Behind Color Perception
The visible light spectrum contains a range of colors. These colors can be arranged in a color wheel, where colors opposite each other are considered complementary.
| Color | Complementary Color |
|---|---|
| Red | Green |
| Blue | Yellow |
| Violet | Orange |
Why Plants Appear Green
Plants appear green because they have chlorophyll, a pigment that is responsible for photosynthesis.
- Chlorophyll primarily absorbs red light.
- Because red light is absorbed, the complementary color green light is reflected.
- This reflected green light is what our eyes perceive, making the plant appear green.
Other Examples
This principle can be seen in many different types of objects, not just plants. For example:
- A red apple absorbs blue light while reflecting red light.
- A blue shirt absorbs yellow/orange light while reflecting blue light.
In essence, the color we see is the light that is not absorbed by an object but rather reflected back to our eyes.
