Why Light on a Surface Looks Dimmer with Intense Light: Explained

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When a light is shone on a surface, it appears dimmer when another, more intense light is introduced due to the brain's perception of contrast. This phenomenon occurs because the brain adjusts its perception based on the relative brightness of the light sources present. The initial light's intensity is compared to the new, brighter light, leading to a diminished perception of the first light's brightness. The effect is rooted in how our visual system processes light and contrast in the environment. Understanding this can clarify why lighting conditions significantly influence our perception of brightness.
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Why does a light cast on a surface look dimmer when a much intense light is cast upon it?
 
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Can you be a little more specific? Are you talking about the difference in intensity between a light source and the reflected light from a surface, or is there more than 1 light source?
 
I shined a light on a wall,for example.It looks OK.Then I shined another light on that wall exactly on that place.Now,the previous light looks more dim.Why?
 
That's the way your brain works. In some part, it bases the level of contrast off of the darkest and brightest areas in view.
 
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