Final answer:
Value is the characteristic that determines the lightness or darkness of a surface. It is represented by a range of tones and can be influenced by the color's background.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lightness or darkness of a surface is determined by its value. Value is the relative lightness or darkness of a shape in relation to another. It is represented by a range of tones from pure white to black, and shades of grey in between. For example, a light color on a dark background will appear lighter, while the same color on a light background will appear darker.