TED-Ed: How we see color - Colm Kelleher

The video explains how the color of an object is related to the frequency of light waves it reflects, with high-frequency waves appearing violet and low-frequency waves appearing red. It delves into the concept of physical color and how human perception of color is influenced by biology, particularly the retina's rods and cones. The video describes how the brain interprets signals from cone cells to perceive colors, even when different light frequencies mix. It also covers how rod cells function in low-light conditions, limiting color detection. Finally, it highlights the practical application of this understanding in TV manufacturing, where only three colors are needed to simulate a wide range of colors.

What determines the color of an object according to the concept of physical color?

• The size of the object

• The temperature of the object

• The frequency of light waves it reflects

• The material of the object

How do red and green light waves create the perception of yellow?

• By activating both red and green cones in the eye

• By mixing to form a new yellow frequency

• By canceling each other out

• By reflecting off a yellow surface

What is the role of rod cells in the human eye?

• Focusing the image on the retina

• Detecting light in low-light conditions

• Detecting color in bright light

• Distinguishing between different colors

Why can the brain be tricked into seeing any color with just three primary colors?

• Because the rods in the eye can detect all colors

• Because the cones in the eye are sensitive to only three colors

• Because the retina can only reflect three colors

• Because the brain can only process three colors at a time

How do TV manufacturers simulate a wide range of colors using limited colors?

• By using a combination of red, green, and blue

• By using a combination of yellow, cyan, and magenta

• By using a combination of black and white

• By using a combination of all visible colors