Understanding Color & Temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between color, temperature, and the mechanisms behind color perception in objects, particularly focusing on the concepts of chromophores and electromagnetic radiation. Participants explore how color does not necessarily indicate temperature and the differences between reflected light and black body radiation.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the color of objects does not correlate with their temperature, using the example of blue and red balloons being equal in temperature despite blue light being associated with higher energy.
  • Others explain that reflected light differs from the color emitted by a black body, with color from a black body being temperature-dependent while reflected light is influenced by chromophores.
  • There is a discussion about whether chromophores are solely related to biological matter, with some participants suggesting that they also apply to non-biological substances like dyes and minerals.
  • One participant raises questions about the nature of chromophores and their role in color change, particularly in the context of leaves changing color in the fall.
  • Another participant notes that LED bulbs produce "white" light while remaining cool, contrasting them with incandescent bulbs, and discusses the concept of correlated color temperature (CCT).
  • There is mention of other phenomena, such as the colors of soap bubbles and LCD screens, which arise from interference and geometry rather than chromophores.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the relationship between color and temperature, with no consensus on the role of chromophores or the mechanisms behind color perception. Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and implications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of chromophores, and there are unresolved questions regarding the nature of color perception and the factors influencing it.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the physics of light and color, students studying optics, and individuals curious about the biological and chemical aspects of color perception.

revv
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In my quest to understanding radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum and the things around me I would like to confirm if I understand this correctly...

- The color of objects around us doesn't always mean they are hotter than another just because of the color it has, for example: A blue balloon isn't hotter than a red balloon (even though blue light IS hotter than red light?) they are equal in temperature and the only reason for the color is from dyes in the balloons is this correct?
 
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revv said:
In my quest to understanding radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum and the things around me I would like to confirm if I understand this correctly...

- The color of objects around us doesn't always mean they are hotter than another just because of the color it has, for example: A blue balloon isn't hotter than a red balloon (even though blue light IS hotter than red light?) they are equal in temperature and the only reason for the color is from dyes in the balloons is this correct?
Reflected light is different from the colour from a black body, I made the same mistake when I first looked into it. Sophicenture explains this very well. Colour from a black body is related to temperature, reflected light is related to the chromophores
 
pinball1970 said:
Reflected light is different from the colour from a black body, I made the same mistake when I first looked into it. Sophicenture explains this very well. Colour from a black body is related to temperature, reflected light is related to the chromophores

I see, I have NEVER heard of Chromophores before!

But the light reflected from objects is it still electromagnetic radiation? I think I understand that the color of an object is the one that is reflected and the other ones absorbed but is the same thing happening with Chromophores?
 
Well from this description of Chromophores on wikipedia I think I understand a little more but not entirely sure, it's a new word for me.

"Leaves change color in the Fall because their chromophores (chlorophyll molecules) break down and stop absorbing red and yellow light"

Is Chromophores just a change in how things absorb the light over time? Like They go from green to red and yellow because of chromophores?

Is chromophores only related to biological matter?
 
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revv said:
Well from this description of Chromophores on wikipedia I think I understand a little more but not entirely sure, it's a new word for me.

"Leaves change color in the Fall because their chromophores (chlorophyll molecules) break down and stop absorbing red and yellow light"

Is Chromophores just a change in how things absorb the light over time? Like They go from green to red and yellow because of chromophores?

Is chromophores only related to biological matter?
Yes it's all still magnetic radiation interacting with cells in our retina that tell us what colour something is. It does not necessarily have to be biological, dyes inks ores oxides and certain salts all can be coloured as well as trees flowers people and birds.
 
A LED bulb is quite cold, despite of producing a "white" light.
 
Demystifier said:
A LED bulb is quite cold, despite of producing a "white" light.
I don’t know enough of the physics or electronics.

All I know is an LED unlike incandescent does not convert much of the energy/ electricity to heat which is one of the reasons they are far more energy efficient.

Or do you mean warm and cool as in CCT?

It’s the wrong way round for lamps, cool such as 6500 has higher CCT than a “warmer” light which tend to be in the 2-3K range.
 
"It does not necessarily have to be biological, dyes inks ores oxides and certain salts all can be coloured as well as trees flowers people and birds. "And all of those mentioned things is the result of chromophores?

If the color of an object isn't because of heat is it chromophores?
 
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revv said:
"It does not necessarily have to be biological, dyes inks ores oxides and certain salts all can be coloured as well as trees flowers people and birds. "And all of those mentioned things is the result of chromophores?

If the color of an object isn't because of heat is it chromophores?
Often but not always. For instance the colors of a soap bubble (or an LCD screen for that matter) are due to interference and geometry. This is a very large subject, worthy of a life of study...
Can anyone suggest a really good elementary reference?
 

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