Here's a breakdown:
* Absorption: When light hits an object, some wavelengths are absorbed, meaning the object's material takes in the energy of those wavelengths.
* Reflection: Other wavelengths of light are reflected, bouncing off the object and reaching our eyes.
* Perception: The wavelengths of light that are reflected are the ones we perceive as the object's color.
For example, a red apple absorbs most wavelengths of light except for red, which it reflects. This is why we see it as red.
Other related terms:
* Hue: The pure color itself, such as red, blue, or green.
* Saturation: The intensity or purity of a color.
* Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
