Why do objects appear colored?

Why do objects appear colored?

• A. They emit light of all wavelengths
• B. They absorb all light
• C. They reflect certain wavelengths while absorbing others
• D. They transmit all wavelengths

Answer: (C)

When light shines on an object, the color you see comes from the wavelengths that are not absorbed by the object's surface. The surface’s pigments absorb some colors and reflect others. The reflected wavelengths enter your eyes and give you the color you perceive. So a surface that reflects only red light while absorbing the rest looks red, a surface that absorbs all wavelengths would look black, and a surface that simply transmits or emits all light would not show the characteristic color of reflected light. This is why a green leaf looks green: it reflects green wavelengths and absorbs red and blue.

When light shines on an object, the color you see comes from the wavelengths that are not absorbed by the object's surface. The surface’s pigments absorb some colors and reflect others. The reflected wavelengths enter your eyes and give you the color you perceive. So a surface that reflects only red light while absorbing the rest looks red, a surface that absorbs all wavelengths would look black, and a surface that simply transmits or emits all light would not show the characteristic color of reflected light. This is why a green leaf looks green: it reflects green wavelengths and absorbs red and blue.