Color by Subtraction

Try this

Although it is common for people to believe that light is “colored” when passing through a filter, this is not the case. It is more effective to think about colors as getting absorbed through filters (considering that white light is a combination of many colors).

Using the Color Generator tool, place a variety of primary colored gummy candies on the screen of a single color. Observe which gummy candies, acting as filters, allow which colors to get through. After describing a working model for how different primary colors of light absorb or are transmitted, predict what colors will be observed through the gummy candies for a screen that produces secondary light.

Challenge yourself

• Predict what colors of light will be observed through a gummy candy that appears to be a secondary color of light (i.e. yellow). Explain how you came to your conclusion, and the test it to check.