Question

I understand that wavelength is inversely proportional to index of refraction, which causes dispersion of light (red visible light is deflected less than purple), and total internal reflection.

Is there a way to explain, based on these concepts why red objects (as seen in white light) absorb most light other than red light, which gets reflected?
A) Red objects have a higher refractive index for red light compared to other wavelengths.
B) Red objects absorb all wavelengths of light except for red, which is reflected due to its longer wavelength.
C) Red light undergoes total internal reflection within the object, causing other wavelengths to be absorbed.
D) Red objects have a lower index of refraction for red light, allowing it to be selectively reflected while other wavelengths are absorbed.

Answer 1

Red objects appear red because they reflect red light and absorb other wavelengths, not due to differences in refractive index or total internal reflection specific to red light. The correct answer is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Red objects appear red because they absorb all wavelengths of light except for those that correspond to red, which are reflected. When white light, which contains all visible colors, illuminates a red object, all the colors except red are absorbed by the object's material.

The reason red light is reflected instead of absorbed is due to the object's material properties, which causes it to selectively reflect the longer wavelengths of red and absorb shorter wavelengths (such as violet) more efficiently.

The answer to the question is option B: "Red objects absorb all wavelengths of light except for red, which is reflected due to its longer wavelength." This is not due to a difference in refractive index or total internal reflection, but rather because of the specific interaction of light with the object's material.