Light and Color: The Science Behind Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission

In summary, the conversation discusses the origin of light and the color of various objects. It is mentioned that the origin of light's color is unclear, but objects can obtain color through absorption, reflection, and/or transmission of light. Examples of different colored objects are given, such as a beam of blue light, a white sheet of paper, a red shirt, a black shoe, and a transparent yellow solution, and it is suggested that absorption may play a role in the color of these objects.
  • #1
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What is the origin of light the color in the following objects and does the color of these objects involves absorption, reflection, and/or transmission of light:
a beam of blue light
a white sheet of paper
a red shirt
a black shoe
a transparent yellow solution

My guesses in order:
not sure
reflects light of all wavelengths that compose visible light so that the result is white
reflects light of the appropriate wavelength ~700nm
not sure
i'm pretty sure some absorption is going on here since such solutions can be used with colorimetry analysis
 
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  • #2
What is the origin of light the color in the following objects...
... this does not make sense.
Is this how the problem statement was written down?

But I think I understand what it is trying to say.
There are two parts: what is the origin of the color, and what process is involved.

It is best not to guess - try to reason it out:
1. How does light get it's color?
2. How do objects get their colors?
 

1. What is light?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is made up of particles called photons that travel in waves and have properties of both particles and waves.

2. How does light travel?

Light travels in a straight line at a constant speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. It can travel through a vacuum or through various materials such as air, water, and glass.

3. What is the nature of light?

The nature of light is a topic that has been debated by scientists for centuries. It is currently understood to have both wave-like and particle-like properties, known as the wave-particle duality. This means that light behaves like a wave in some situations and like a particle in others.

4. How is light produced?

Light can be produced in many ways, such as through chemical reactions, electrical currents, and nuclear reactions. In most cases, light is created when atoms or molecules gain energy and release it in the form of photons.

5. What is the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is a universal constant, denoted by the letter c. It is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, or about 670,616,629 miles per hour. This speed is the maximum possible speed in the universe according to the theory of relativity.

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