For a substance to look red, describe how it interacts with white light?

it looks red because it reflects the red wavelengths and absorbs the others

To understand how a substance appears red, it's important to understand how it interacts with white light. Here's an explanation of the process:

1. White light: White light is composed of all the colors of the visible spectrum, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. When combined, these colors create the perception of white light.

2. Interaction with a substance: When white light interacts with a substance, such as a pigment or a dye, certain wavelengths of light are absorbed while others are transmitted or reflected. The specific interaction depends on the properties of the substance.

3. Absorption: When white light encounters a substance, the atoms or molecules of the substance can absorb specific wavelengths of light. The absorbed light energy excites the electrons within the substance, causing them to move to higher energy levels.

4. Reflection and transmission: After absorbing specific wavelengths, the substance reflects or transmits the remaining wavelengths of light that are not absorbed. The color of the substance that we perceive is the result of the wavelengths that are reflected or transmitted.

5. Red color perception: If a substance appears red, it means that it selectively absorbs most colors of light, except for red wavelengths, which are reflected or transmitted. The substance's molecular structure determines its ability to interact with light in this way.

In summary, for a substance to appear red, it absorbs most colors of light, while reflecting or transmitting red wavelengths. This selective absorption and reflection/transmission process is responsible for the perception of a red color.