Black and white are often thought of as colors, but they are actually not. Black is the absence of all light, while white is the reflection of all light.
Colors are created when light interacts with objects and is reflected back to our eyes. The wavelength of the light determines the color that we see. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than blue light, so we see red when an object reflects red light and blue when an object reflects blue light.
Black and white do not have a specific wavelength of light. Black is simply the absence of all light, while white is the reflection of all light. This is why black and white are often referred to as shades of gray, rather than colors.
How do we see black and white?
We see black and white because our eyes have two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to light than cones, but they cannot distinguish colors. Cones are less sensitive to light than rods, but they can distinguish colors.
In low light conditions, our eyes rely on rods to see. Because rods cannot distinguish colors, we see everything in shades of gray in low light conditions.
In bright light conditions, our eyes rely on cones to see. Because cones can distinguish colors, we see colors in bright light conditions.
When do we see black and white?
We see black and white in a number of situations, including:
- In low light conditions: In low light conditions, our eyes rely on rods to see. Because rods cannot distinguish colors, we see everything in shades of gray in low light conditions.
- When looking at black and white objects: When we look at black and white objects, our eyes reflect all or none of the light, respectively. This is why we see black and white when we look at black and white objects.
- When looking at black and white images: Black and white images are created by reflecting different amounts of light to our eyes. The more light that is reflected, the brighter the image appears. The less light that is reflected, the darker the image appears.
Conclusion
Black and white are often thought of as colors, but they are actually not. Black is the absence of all light, while white is the reflection of all light. We see black and white in a number of situations, including in low light conditions, when looking at black and white objects, and when looking at black and white images.
