Visible Light

• Each colour within the visible light spectrum has its own narrow band of wavelength and frequency
• Reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction is called specular reflection
• Reflection from a rough surface causes scattering: this is called diffuse reflection
• Colour filters work by absorbing certain wavelengths (and colour) and transmitting other wavelengths (and colour)
• The colour of an opaque object is determined by which wavelengths of light are more strongly reflected
• If all wavelengths are reflected equally the object appears white
• If all wavelengths are absorbed the objects appears black
• Objects that transmit light are either transparent or translucent