25 Feb 08
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessYou're right. We cannot see (totally) black things. That's the reason they're black.
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessYou can't see a black hole....
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
😀
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessBecause of the all other colours that are being refelcted around it. But the real reason is that real black entitites don't exist. Real bodies always reflect a little bit.
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by FabianFnasExactly, so if someon tells you something is "green", they should really be saying that thing is "everything but green" since the object is absorbing everything except the green wavelength.
You're right. We cannot see (totally) black things. That's the reason they're black.
My "blue car" should be called an "everything but blue" car.
Or better still, a "not blue" car. My car wants nothing to do with blue.
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessYour car is a blue-rejecter.
Exactly, so if someon tells you something is "green", they should really be saying that thing is "everything but green" since the object is absorbing everything except the green wavelength.
My "blue car" should be called an "everything but blue" car.
Or better still, a "not blue" car. My car wants nothing to do with blue.
25 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessyou can't see black because your colour blind??😛
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
sorry couldn't resist
25 Feb 08
seeing black is not a physics question, it's a biology question. it's the way our visual cortex interprets lack of (sufficient) stimulus on photoreceptors in our eyes. and as such, it would be theoretically possible to see absolute black. it wouldn't mean that something you look at wasn't emitting anything though, just that its intensity is too low to trigger a reaction.
26 Feb 08
2 edits
Originally posted by uzlessEducation. You were taught to associate the concept "color black" when your eyes can't catch enough radiation in the appropriate wavelenghts to stimulate a response to your brain.
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
If the object was really black you wouldn't see it. Your definition is correct. But there are small reflections even from what we call black objects that allow you to see them.
27 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessGood question uzless. It sure beats arguing about politics. Great site.
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?
F.GRANNY.
27 Feb 08
Originally posted by uzlessYou see the contrasting colors around it.
If an object is blue because the object is absorbing all colours of the light spectrum but is reflecting the blue wavelength and white objects reflect all wavelengths consider this.
If black objects absorb all wavelengths, and therefore do not reflect any light, how come we can see the objects? Shouldn't they be invisible?
How do you "see" black?