Colors

Colors are a result of the way our eyes and brains perceive light. When light hits an object, the object absorbs some of the light and reflects the rest. The reflected light enters our eyes, where it is detected by cells called cones. These cones then send signals to the brain, which interprets the signals as different colors.

Additive and Subtractive Colors

There are two primary ways in which colors are created: additive and subtractive color mixing.

Additive Color Mixing

Additive color mixing occurs when different colors of light are combined. The primary colors of light are red, green, and blue (RGB). When these colors are combined in different amounts, they can create a wide range of other colors. For example, combining red and green light creates yellow, while combining red, green, and blue light creates white light.

Subtractive Color Mixing

Subtractive color mixing occurs when different colors of pigments are combined. The primary subtractive colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these pigments are combined in varying amounts, they can produce a wide range of colors. For example, combining cyan and yellow pigments creates green, while combining cyan, magenta, and yellow produces black.

Study Guide

1. What is the primary cause of the perception of color?
2. Describe the process of additive color mixing and provide examples.
3. Explain the concept of subtractive color mixing and give examples of how it is used.
4. What are the primary colors of light in the additive color model?
5. What are the primary subtractive colors in the subtractive color model?
6. How do our eyes and brain work together to perceive color?
7. Discuss the importance of color in everyday life and various fields such as art, design, and psychology.

[Colors] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• ColorsMathematics • Kindergarten