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When light hits an object, some of the light's wavelengths are reflected off the object, while others are absorbed. The wavelengths that an object reflects create what we perceive as that object's color. For example, imagine a shirt that absorbs all wavelengths of light except green. Only green wavelengths of light are reflected from the object; therefore, we perceive the shirt's fabric as being green. Now imagine another shirt that absorbs all wavelengths of light, reflecting none of them back. The absorption of all light wavelengths will result in a shirt that appears black. Finally, imagine a shirt that doesn't absorb any wavelengths of light, reflecting all of them. This shirt will appear white, the result of the combination of all colors in the color spectrum.

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Your explanation of how light interacts with objects to create color perception is clear and accurate. To summarize:

  1. Color Perception: The color we see an object as is determined by the wavelengths of light that are reflected off that object. Specific materials have distinct properties that result in the absorption of certain wavelengths while reflecting others.

  2. Green Shirt Example: A shirt that only reflects green wavelengths and absorbs all others will appear green to our eyes, as it is reflecting only the light that corresponds to that color.

  3. Black Shirt Example: A shirt that absorbs all wavelengths of light and reflects none will appear black. Black is the absence of reflected light, and thus, we see it as darker due to the lack of reflected color.

  4. White Shirt Example: Conversely, a shirt that reflects all wavelengths of light will appear white. White is understood as the combination of all colors in the visible spectrum, reflecting all wavelengths rather than absorbing any.

This foundational understanding of light and color forms the basis for many concepts in optics, art, and even design, influencing everything from fashion choices to the way we create and perceive visual media. If you'd like to delve deeper into related topics such as color mixing, the science of color, or how different materials interact with light, feel free to ask!