White light to different colors

In summary, when shining a flash light, it only stimulates the 3 types of cones in the eyes to create the illusion of white light. Putting a colored plastic sheet over the flash light will absorb or reflect the non-colored light and allow only that specific color through. The specific wavelength of the light will depend on the color of the plastic sheet used.
  • #1
fouad89
21
0
Hi

I have a question, when shining a flash light (white light) we are getting all the visible spectrum of light correct; the wavelengths are under 400 to above 700 nm ? now if we put a red or blue plastic sheet on top of the flash light we see the color of that plastic sheet.

What is happening to the light? say we put a clear red plastic sheet on the flash light, so the light that is coming out of the other side has a wavelength of 700 - 750 nm ?
 
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  • #2
Hi fouad89! :smile:

I'm afraid a flash light doesn't give all of the visible spectrum of light.
It only stimulates the 3 types of cones in your eyes to create the illusion of white light.

If you put a red plastic sheet over the flash light, that plastic sheet will absorb (or reflect) the visible light that is not red, and allow red through (which is 620 nm and up).
Whether it let's non-visible light through is not known.
You'd need more information on the plastic to be able to tell.
 
  • #3
ok thanks
 

FAQ: White light to different colors

1. How does white light become different colors?

White light is made up of all the colors of the visible spectrum, which are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. When white light passes through a prism or other transparent material, the light is refracted or bent, causing each color to separate and become visible.

2. Why do different colors appear when white light is separated?

This is due to the different wavelengths of each color in the visible spectrum. Each color has a specific wavelength, and when the white light is separated, each color is revealed based on its unique wavelength.

3. Can white light be created by combining different colors?

No, white light cannot be created by combining different colors. White light is a combination of all the colors in the visible spectrum, and it cannot be achieved by combining different colors in any proportion.

4. What is the scientific explanation for why objects appear to have different colors?

Objects appear to have different colors because of the way they reflect or absorb light. When light hits an object, some colors are absorbed and some are reflected. The colors that are reflected are what we see, giving the object its perceived color.

5. How does the color of an object change when it is viewed under different light sources?

The color of an object may appear different under different light sources because each light source emits a different spectrum of light. For example, natural daylight has a different spectrum than artificial light, which can affect the way an object's color is perceived.

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