S3.9.5 For the adult
Why things have colour
Why is a leaf green, and what colour would it look under a red lamp?
What this chapter teaches
A thing has colour because it reflects some colours of light and absorbs the rest. White reflects all and black absorbs all. The colour seen depends on the light as well, so a green leaf looks black in red light. A filter lets its own colour through.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- Why does a red apple look red in white light?
- What colour does a green leaf look in red light, and why?
- What does a red filter do to white light?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain why a leaf looks green in white light
- Predict the colour an object appears under coloured light
What they copy into their notebook
A thing reflects the colours it looks and absorbs the rest. White reflects all, black absorbs all. A leaf looks black in red light. A filter lets its own colour through.