Understanding the Phenomenon of Colors Combining to Create White Light

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of white light and whether it is a physical quantity or simply a perception of the human eye. It is understood that white light is a combination of all wavelengths in the visible light spectrum, but the question remains if this effect only occurs in the eye or if it is a physical phenomenon. It is also questioned if white light can be represented by a sinusoidal graph. The conversation concludes that color is a perception and not a physical phenomenon, and as such, the concept of white light being a combination of different wavelengths is not entirely accurate.
  • #1
Tomtom
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Is it only in the eye that colors add up to be white?

I've been thinking a lot about how electromagnetic waves work.
The visible light is comprised of a electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum between 380 and 750 nm. Now, as far as I understand, if you "mix" all of these waves together, you get a color which the eye reads as white.

What I'm wondering about, is if this "appearing white" effect is something that only occurs in the eye, or if it is some physical quantity. (badly formulated).

Secondly, is white light actually all these different wavelengths "reacted" by constructively inteference?

Thirdly, if so, I'm wondering what it would look like if you were to draw a sinusoidal graph for "white light". Is this possible?

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
I am no expert on the matter, but as far as I know, white is only our eye's perception when all three different cones (in the eye) are stimulated in equal amounts. White is not present in the electromagnetic spectrum.
 
  • #3
Color is a perception, not a physical phenomenon. Many different combinations of intensity and wavelength will be perceived as "white'.
 
  • #4
Thanks! That was what I thought, but I was unsure. How about my second and third questions?
 
  • #5
The answer to your first question tells you the answer to your second and third - they are based on a premise that is not how nature is.
 

FAQ: Understanding the Phenomenon of Colors Combining to Create White Light

What is the concept of colors adding up to be white?

The concept of colors adding up to be white refers to the phenomenon where combining different colored lights or pigments results in white light or white color. This is based on the additive color theory, where the primary colors (red, green, and blue) are combined to produce white light.

Why do colors add up to be white?

Colors add up to be white because of the way our eyes perceive light. Our eyes have three types of color receptors: red, green, and blue. When all three receptors are stimulated equally, our brain interprets this as white light. Therefore, when different colored lights or pigments are combined, they activate all three receptors and result in white light or white color.

What is the difference between additive and subtractive color mixing?

Additive color mixing involves combining colored lights, such as in a television or computer screen, to create new colors. This is based on the additive color theory, where the primary colors (red, green, and blue) are combined to produce white light. Subtractive color mixing, on the other hand, involves combining colored pigments, such as in painting, to create new colors. This is based on the subtractive color theory, where the primary colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) are combined to absorb certain wavelengths of light and produce different colors.

Is it possible for colors to add up to be black?

No, it is not possible for colors to add up to be black using the additive color system. Black is the absence of light, so combining all colors of light will result in white. However, in the subtractive color system, combining all colors of pigment will result in black, as all the colors are being absorbed and no light is being reflected.

How is the concept of colors adding up to be white used in technology?

The concept of colors adding up to be white is used in various technologies, such as televisions, computer screens, and projectors. These devices use the additive color system to create a wide range of colors by combining red, green, and blue lights in different intensities. This allows for the creation of realistic and vibrant images and videos on screen.

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