How does and object get its color?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Marshallaw4
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of how objects acquire their color, focusing on the interaction of light with materials, the absorption and reflection of wavelengths, and the implications for visibility at the atomic level. It encompasses conceptual and technical aspects of color perception and the physical properties of materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that color depends on the wavelengths of light that an object absorbs and reflects, with the perceived color being determined by what is reflected.
  • Others argue that the molecular structure and chemical bonds of a substance influence which wavelengths are absorbed or reflected.
  • A participant questions what specifically affects an object's ability to absorb or reflect certain wavelengths, suggesting a possible connection to atomic structure.
  • There is a mention that atoms cannot be displayed by light, with a request for clarification on this point.
  • One participant notes that observing atoms requires wavelengths short enough to interact with very small objects, suggesting the use of electron microscopes for such observations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principle that color is determined by the wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected by an object. However, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the specific factors that influence these processes and the visibility of atoms.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of color and wavelength, as well as unresolved questions about the interaction of light with atomic structures and the implications for visibility.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the physics of light, color theory, material science, and atomic structure may find this discussion relevant.

Marshallaw4
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I know that color depends on wavelength but what affects the wavelength? We have white light and it goes on an object there gets its color and then into my eye. So how does that object get its color? And when I am there... is true that single atoms cannot be displayed by light? I think I have heard or read that but I am not sure about this
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
In general terms, the object will absorb some wavwlengths and reflect others. The color is determined by what is reflected.
 
mathman said:
In general terms, the object will absorb some wavwlengths and reflect others. The color is determined by what is reflected.

look up pigments
 
Remember,white light is actually a combination of all the colors in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. As mathman explained, materials will absorb some light and reflect other light. The color that an object appears is the color that is least absorbed by the material.
 
Ah I understand but what affects that object to absorb some wave length and reflect some wavelength? Is that by how atoms are shaped? If someone reads this yet, tell me if its true that atoms cannot be displayed by light, please.
 
Ah, I think what you're looking for is what decides the energy level when a photon is emitted?

More energetic photons correspond to light with a shorter wavelength and our eye sees it more towards the blue end of the spectrum, less energetic towards the red end.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectroscopy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelength
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optics

To observe an atom you would need wavelengths short enough to reflect from a very small object, we use electron microscopes for this because they have a small enough cross section to provide useful data.
 

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