Why Do We See an Apple as Red?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Biologik
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SUMMARY

The perception of an apple as red is primarily due to the resonance frequencies of electrons in the molecules on its surface, which determine the wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected. When white light hits the apple, the majority of the reflected light falls within the red spectrum. This phenomenon is explained through the concepts of absorption and stimulated emission, which are fundamental to understanding color perception in objects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron behavior
  • Familiarity with the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Knowledge of light absorption and reflection principles
  • Basic concepts of stimulated emission
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electron resonance frequencies
  • Explore the electromagnetic spectrum and its relevance to color perception
  • Study the mechanisms of absorption and stimulated emission in materials
  • Investigate how different materials reflect light and their color properties
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in optics, and anyone interested in the science of color perception and light behavior.

Biologik
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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?
 
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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.
 

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