Why Do We See an Apple as Red?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Biologik
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The perception of an apple as red is due to the resonance frequencies of electrons in its surface molecules, which determine the colors absorbed and reflected. When white light hits the apple, it reflects predominantly red light while absorbing other wavelengths. This phenomenon is explained through the principles of absorption and stimulated emission. The atomic structure of the apple's skin plays a crucial role in this color perception. Thus, the color we see is a result of specific interactions between light and the apple's molecular composition.
Biologik
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
When I look at an apple, why do I see it as red, and not another color in the visible EM spectrum? Is it determined on an atomic scale?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, it has to do with resonance frequencies for the electrons in the molecules on the surface of the skin. So even though you shine white light on the apple's skin, a majority of the reflected light is red.

It is also known as absorption and stimulated emission.
 

Similar threads

Can context and culture influence how we see colors?
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Using primary color light filters
Replies
20
Views
2K
Does the Universe have a finite number of fundamentals to uncover?
Replies
9
Views
3K
Why do objects have different colors?
Replies
15
Views
4K
I Why can't we photograph magnetic lines of force emitted by planetary and beyond objects (like we can for the Sun)?
Replies
15
Views
2K
B Is it the nucleus or a proton at the center?
Replies
14
Views
2K
How Do We Perceive Violet with Only Three Color Detectors in Our Eyes?
Replies
36
Views
10K
Why optical pyrometer gives a low reading?
Replies
19
Views
2K
I Why does red food coloring look green when it dries?
Replies
7
Views
3K
Question about how we see materials and absorption
Replies
7
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top