Pigment is a material that creates color by selectively absorbing some wavelengths of light and reflecting others. The color we see is the reflected light. Color, on the other hand, is the visual perception of the reflected light wavelengths. Essentially, pigment produces color, while color is the result of that process.
Understanding the Relationship Between Pigment and Color
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Pigment: A physical substance (e.g., tiny particles of colored material) that interacts with light. Think of it as the cause. Examples include those found in paints, inks, and even natural materials like mud. These pigments absorb certain light wavelengths and reflect others, determining the color we perceive. As stated in one reference, "A pigment is a material which selectively absorbs certain wavelengths of light and then reflects other wavelengths. The color which the eye sees is the color given by the wavelength of light which is reflected off the material."
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Color: The visual sensation resulting from the interaction of light with the pigment (or other color-producing substance). This is the effect. It's how our eyes and brain interpret the reflected light wavelengths. Different wavelengths correspond to different colors in the visible spectrum. The redness of an apple, for example, is due to pigments in the apple's skin reflecting primarily red wavelengths of light.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Pigment | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Physical substance | Visual perception |
| Mechanism | Absorbs and reflects specific light | Result of reflected light interpretation |
| Examples | Paint pigments, dyes, natural substances | Red, blue, green, etc. |
Practical Implications
Understanding this difference is crucial in various fields:
- Art: Artists need to understand how pigments mix and interact to create desired colors.
- Textiles: The choice between dyes and pigments affects the colorfastness and feel of fabrics. Dyes penetrate fibers, while pigments sit on top.
- Printing: Different printing methods utilize pigments or dyes based on the material and desired outcome.
