Chapter U5.113, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The color observed needs to be determined; if a white light is shined on a green car at night from a flashlight.

Concept introduction:

Visible light contains seven components of light. When splitting of the visible light into its components color takes place then it is called dispersion of light.

An object reflects a color corresponding to its wavelength. If a material reflects all the light falls on it then it appear white to the eyes and if the material absorbs light of all wavelengths then it appears black.

Explanation of Solution

Green color has wavelength between the blue and yellow color on the visible spectrum with range 495-570 nm. If a white light falls on a green car at night, it will appear green to the eyes. This is because all the colors of the white light except green are absorbed by green color car. It only reflects the green color thus, it appears green to our eyes.

Conclusion

The car appears green in night if flashlight falls on it.