Light Absorption (page 2)

Research Questions

• Why do we see color?
• How does a light filter work?
• Why did the papers look white, red, blue, and green respectively in white light?
• How did the filters affect the white flashlight beam?
• Why did yellow and green papers seem to lose their color when red light was shined on them?
• What colors can you make with two different filters?
• What colors can you make with three different filters?
• What was the control for this project? 

Terms, Concepts and Questions to Start Background Research

Light, color, light filter, electromagnetic waves, visible light spectrum

Experimental Procedure

1. Darken the room as much as possible.
2. Turn on the flashlight and aim it at the white paper. Observe and record the color of the paper in the data table.
3. Repeat Step 2 with the red, blue, and green pieces of paper.
4. Place the red filter in front of the beam of the flash light as shown use tape or a rubber band to secure the cellophane paper filter. Shine the filtered beam on the white, red, blue, and green papers and record the colors seen.
5. Repeat using the blue filter and then the green filter. After each test record the results.
6. As a possible extension activity place a filter in front of the light source. Combine two colored filters. Now combine three colors. Experiment with many different combinations.

Bibliography

Title: Young Scientists Explore Light & Color, Author: Jerry DeBruin, Publisher: Good Apple, Inc,                         ISBN-0-86653-358-3 

This book is designed to develop creativity in young learners, and contains interdisciplinary activities which focus on the theme of light and color. The activities described make abstract scientific ideas about light and color visible and concrete. The information found on this book can be used by the young investigator for initial learning before beginning the science fair project or after it is completed. A teacher/parent guide is included and supplies, background information, activity descriptions, materials needed list, and possible answers for the book's activities are also included. 

This book explains how colors are seen and how light reflects and refracts inside a raindrop to produce a colorful spectrum. The book also examines how light is absorbed or reflected on objects and how different colors reflect different wavelengths of light. There is a chapter explaining the relationship between light refraction and the color spectrum. The final chapter helps the reader understand how rainbows are visible, depending on the weather conditions and their position with the sun. Other features found in the book include hands-on activities, Q&A section, glossary, reference page, and an index.

Links to related sites on the web