2.2 Colour in chemistry
The science of chemistry deals with chemical elements – which are the substances of matter (Figure 2.21). Chemistry also deals with the properties and behaviours of these substances when mixed and the development of methods to create new substances.
The relationship between chemistry and colour is complex. Chemical processes are used to create colours that we use every day, and colour is used in chemistry to measure and analyse substances and chemical processes. It’s useful to learn about this aspect of colour theory if you’re working with colour materials in creative and scientific fields.
This section covers selected topics that explain the relationship between colour and chemistry (you can also find additional information in section 3.4 Colour systems: paint pigments and dyes).
Topics
- Spectrophotometry and colorimetry
The science of measuring colour in chemical solutions - Metamerism – colour perception and matching
How our perception of colours can change in different lighting conditions and how to avoid colour mismatching - Luminescence
Different ways chemical substances can emit coloured light - Colour chemistry 1: animals that can change colour
- Colour chemistry 2: photography and chromatography
- Colour chemistry 3: universal indicator and diagnostic tests
- Colour chemistry 4: fireworks
