What are the wavelengths of the primary colors of light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the wavelengths of the primary colors of light, specifically in the context of creating LED lights. Participants explore the relationship between color perception and specific wavelengths, as well as practical considerations for sourcing LEDs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks information on the wavelengths of primary colors of light for LED construction.
  • Another participant provides a link to a Wikipedia page and notes the common availability of red, green, and blue LEDs.
  • A participant mentions tri-color LEDs, which integrate three LEDs into one package.
  • One participant argues that there are no specific wavelengths corresponding to primary colors due to the broad spectral response of human vision, suggesting ranges for blue, green, and red LEDs instead.
  • Another participant counters that there are specific wavelengths associated with primary colors, referencing the peak sensitivities of the pigments in human eyes.
  • A further response highlights that the peak sensitivity for red cones is at 564 nm, suggesting that defining primary colors based on this may not be logical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the definition of primary colors and their corresponding wavelengths, with some asserting that specific wavelengths exist while others argue against this notion based on the nature of human color perception.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interpretations of primary colors in relation to human vision and the practical limitations of available LED wavelengths. There is no consensus on the definition of primary colors based on wavelength.

mcnaryxc
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Hey, I'm trying to make three LED lights that each are one of the primary colors of light. But, after discovering real fast that Radioshack doesn't sell the right kind, I asked my physics teacher for help. He said I need to go out and find the wavelengths of the three colors. And here I am! So, the question is: What are the wavelengths of the primary colors of light? I feel like I should be able to find it online but I'm having some trouble. Thanks.
 
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Also, tri-color LEDs are pretty common. These devices have three LEDs integrated into one small package.

- Warren
 
There is no specific wavelength corresponding to each primary colour. This is because the response of our eyes is spectrally broad. You are more likely to be restricted by the LED wavelengths available - I think something between 420-480 nm would be fine for blue, 500-540 nm for green and 600-700 nm for red.

Again, there are no specific wavelengths we define as being a primary colour.

Claude.
 
Claude Bile said:
Again, there are no specific wavelengths we define as being a primary colour.

Actually, there are. The pigments in our eyes have peak sensitivities at specific wavelengths.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Actually, there are. The pigments in our eyes have peak sensitivities at specific wavelengths.

- Warren

Sure, but the peak sensitivity for the red cones is at 564 nm, which is quite yellow. It therefore doesn't make sense to define primary colours on this basis.

Claude.
 

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