I promise this is the last question

[LaPalida]

I promise this is the last question...

Is the spectrum of color a gradual gradation of one color to another... if so then do we arbitrarily create divisions between colors that distinguish them one from another OR is there a specific frequency that is the domain of red or yellow... if so then what is orange?

 

[Andrew Mason]

Is the spectrum of color a gradual gradation of one color to another... if so then do we arbitrarily create divisions between colors that distinguish them one from another OR is there a specific frequency that is the domain of red or yellow... if so then what is orange?

Probably because we have eyes that have retinal cells consisting of arrays of cones and rods that respond to light in a particular way that gives us a sensation of different colours at those frequencies.

AM

 

[DM]

Spectrum of colour creates different colour effects in our eyes depending on the wavelength of the light source itself.

 

[luben]

Is the spectrum of color a gradual gradation of one color to another...

if so then what is orange?

IMO you are quite right on this , the light spectrum is a continuous line. Each color should only occupy one point on that line, denoted by a frequency; and there are infinitely many different colors. But the vagueness of language mix things up, and in general we often don't mind the exact frequency of a color; except in certain applications. So a band frequency that somehow look orange may fit our daily definition of orange.

 

[Tzemach]

There is a limit to the size unit of time that we can measure (Planck time) and so the variations between colours will appear quantized. A similar concept has been noticed in the variations in the measurement of redshifts. Astronomy Professor W G Tift of the University of Arizona wrote recently in an essay, "In fact, I find that redshifts appear to take on discrete values, something that is not possible if they are simply due to the cosmic expansion."

 

[Danger]

This is something that I've always had trouble with, particularly as to where blue ends off and green begins. If Monique is watching, could you address this? I recall reading somewhere that most languages don't even have separate words for 'blue' and 'green'.

 

[Farsight]

Huh. Blue ends and green begins at a place called turquoise.

But you can't see it on a computer. You can however see it another way. Get yourself a CD. Hold it under the light. Rock it back and forth. Danger: avoid direct sunshine or you'll damage your eyes.