Question

a student observes that a red apple appears black when viewed through a blue filter. what does this observation tell us about how the apple interacts with light?
the apple reflects all colors of light equally
the apple absorbs red light and reflects blue light
the apple absorbs blue light and reflects red light
the apple only produces red light

if humans could suddenly see infrared light, what would be the most likely consequence for how we perceive our everyday environment?
everything would appear the same as it does now
we would only be able to see in black and white
we would lose the ability to see regular colors
we would see heat signatures from warm objects like people and electronics

Explanation:

• First question:
• An object appears a certain color because it reflects that color of light. A red apple reflects red light. A blue filter only allows blue light to pass through. When the red apple is viewed through a blue filter, it appears black. This is because the apple absorbs the blue light (since it doesn't reflect blue light; it reflects red light) and there is no red light coming through the blue filter.
• Second question:
• Infrared light is associated with heat. Many warm - blooded objects (like people) and objects that generate heat (like electronics) emit infrared radiation. If humans could see infrared light, we would be able to perceive these heat signatures.

Answer:

• First question: The apple absorbs blue light and reflects red light.
• Second question: We would see heat signatures from warm objects like people and electronics.