I am confused as to how light would work in the following question:

Question

Some very efficient streetlights contain sodium vapour under high pressure. They produce light that is mainly yellow with some red. Should a community having these lights buy dark blue police cars? Why or why not?

I'm guessing that the lights would make the cars look yellow???

I'm guessing that the lights would make the cars look yellow???

bobpursley · Answer

If the police cars looked yellow, that means they are reflecting yellow light. Does blue reflect blue? What happens to yellow light on a blue surface. Why is grass green?

I will be happy to critique your thinking.

As a side note, yellow green is becoming a very popular color for fire engines. This is because....

Corin · Answer

So the cars will reflect blue light, but since no blue light is being emitted, they won't look blue? Since yellow light is a combination of red and green light, no blue is involved. One will not be able to see the police cars???

Thank you for your help!! :)!

bobpursley · Answer

excellent reasoning.

Corin · Answer

Thank you for your help! :)