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Light & Color

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Light & Color
Essay 1: Light and Color The fascinating properties of light are not all detectable to humans, because our reference is mostly limited to what we can see. In order to determine the atomic/molecular composition of a fluid or gas, one must consult an emission and absorption spectrum. The properties of this spectrum include also waves, which can be any length, and define the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Ranging from gamma rays to radio waves, an electromagnetic spectrum includes each phase of light that can be detected by all organisms, not just humans. Light and matter have a perfect relationship in which matter emits and absorbs light in a series of electromagnetic waves and particles. Their interaction produces wavelengths that are mainly charged electrons. Essentially, light is "picked up" and taken away from wavelengths to create specific colors. Electrons are sent into a frenzy by absorbed radiation which causes them to bounce through various levels of excitement, unable to remain stationary in any state. During each state, the result is an emission that appears to the naked eye as bright colors or pigmentary colors. Pigmentary colors are produced by differential absorption of light by molecules. The properties of these molecules (number and distribution of electrons) determine the amount of absorption. The absorption process allows for wavelengths that are beyond the visible spectrum to be created. Any light reflected is a direct result of wavelengths that were not absorbed and have been stripped of any white light wavelengths. Any color that is primarily absorbed by a pigment molecule will have the reflection of light in the opposite range of color. Structural colors are created from reflection, diffraction and refraction. At times, light can reflect away from an object creating many fragments, so it is said to be scattering. However, if the light changes speed while/before hitting a transparent object, it is


Cited: Friesen, Larry Jon. 2013, Natural Science. v. 3.00. http://www.sciencenotes.net/science/index.htm Katja Schulz., EOL - Encyclopedia of Life. http://eol.org/pages/1034398/overview University of Atmospheric Sciences, Illinois. 2013. http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/opt/mch/diff.rxml Todd Murray. 2014. WhatCom County Extension. http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/GTB.htm Science Made Simple. 1997-2013. http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html
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