It’s a matter of HOW MUCH light reflects, and on what wavelengths in what amount.
Within the visible spectrum of light, different wavelengths of light appear to your eyes as different colors. Different materials will absorb or reflect more or less light on different wavelengths.
Take a lightbulb and shine it at an incredibly green wall. The pigment of the paint reflects a great deal of light in the wavelength of 534–545 nm, and a lot less outside of that wavelength (but still in the visible spectrum) absorbing it instead. What happens when you put your hand in front of the light? A shadow occurs. Why? Photons that normally would go directly from the lightbulb, reflect off the wall, and hit your eyes again are being blocked by your hand, which means a lot less light in that specific section of the wall is reflecting back at your eyes. So it would still be a green shade, just a lot darker.
Latest Answers