Intro to the Colors of Light

To view timestamps in the description (answers each question) click "copy link" on the video, then paste it in a separate browser tab.

Question 1: Does the Sun make only yellow and red light?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. The Sun makes “white light.” White light means all colors of light in the same place at the same time.

Do prisms add color to whatever light shines through them?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Prisms reveal all the colors inside the light that goes through them. They don't add any colors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Did Isaac Newton suggest that white light contains no other colors?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Isaac Newton suggested what we call ‘white light,’ contains all colors of light.

Do all colors of light have the same wavelength?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Each color has a unique wavelength. There are about 400 unique colors.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Is there a specific wavelength of light for the color black?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Black is what we call the absence of visible light.

Is there a specific wavelength of light for the color white?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. “White light” is what we perceive when we see all colors (or at least the primary light colors) in the same place at the same time.

Can prisms separate the colors of white light by using refraction?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. And this process is called dispersion when we see the full rainbow of colors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Can water droplets separate the colors of white light by using refraction?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. And this process is called dispersion when we see a rainbow.