MadSci Network: Physics |
A substance appears colored by absorbing light at one or more wavelengths in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum while reflecting or transmitting the others. The combination of all colors appears white and the absence of light appears black. When a body absorbs violet light a greenish yellow color is observed. The same goes for blue and yellow, blue green and red, yellow green and violet, yellow and dark blue, orange and blue, and red and green. These concepts are very important in Chemistry and Physics. I hope this answers your question. For additional information you may want to consult a Physics or Chemistry book. Look under light in the glossary. Good Luck! Jared [note added by MadSci Admin: there is a number of previous answers in our archives which touch on this question. Search using "color heat"]
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