2. Colour theory: the visible spectrum

As stated in Chapter 1, section 1.1, Sir Isaac Newton was the first to classify the visible spectrum as we know it today.

This diagram shows the visible light spectrum and other types of non-visible electromagnetic radiation measured in nanometres (nm).

Wave lengths in nm: violet 380–450, blue 450–485, cyan 485–500, green 500–565, yellow 565–590, orange 590–625, red 625–750
Figure 2.1. The light spectrum with visible wave lengths in nanometres, by RMIT, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

The colours we see are based on wavelengths, and as Figure 2.1 shows, there are wavelengths that the human eye cannot see, like radio waves, X-rays, and microwaves.  In the visible spectrum, violet rays, which are the shortest wavelengths are also the highest in energy. Red light wavelengths are the longest and the lowest in energy.

This chapter will focus on the visible spectrum, and the science-related aspects of colour vision. Each section will include information, links, resources, and learning activities to further develop your knowledge.

Learn about the topics listed here:

2.1 The physics of light and colour

2.2 Colour in chemistry

2.3 The eye – how we see colour

 

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Colour Theory: Understanding and Working with Colour Copyright © 2023 by RMIT University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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