Hues

Definition

Hues are the distinct characteristics of color that differentiate one color from another, often described as shades like red, blue, or green. In physics, hues correspond to specific wavelengths of visible light.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hues are determined by the wavelength of light; different wavelengths correspond to different colors.
2. The human eye perceives hues through photoreceptor cells called cones, which are sensitive to specific ranges of wavelengths.
3. In additive color mixing (e.g., with light), combining different hues can create new colors; for instance, red and green light mix to create yellow.
4. Hue is one of the three main attributes used to describe colors in the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) color model.
5. The perception of hue can change under different lighting conditions due to a phenomenon known as metamerism.

Review Questions

• What determines the hue of a particular color?
• How do photoreceptor cells in the human eye contribute to the perception of hue?
• In what way does additive color mixing affect hues?

Related terms

Wavelength: The distance between successive peaks of a wave, often measured in nanometers for visible light. Wavelength determines the color/hue perceived.

Cones: Photoreceptor cells in the retina that are responsible for detecting color and function best in bright light conditions.

Additive Color Mixing: A process where different colors of light are combined to produce other colors. Primary colors in this model are red, green, and blue.