Color and Light — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

MS-PS4-2

About This Reader

This comprehensive science reading passage for grades 6-8 explores the fundamental relationship between color and light, aligned to NGSS MS-PS4-2. Students will learn how white light is made up of all colors, how prisms demonstrate the separation of light, and why objects appear colored based on the wavelengths they reflect or absorb. The passage explains the difference between the primary colors of light (RGB) and pigments (CMY), and uses real-world examples such as why the sky is blue and sunsets are red to illustrate key concepts. Academic vocabulary is integrated throughout, with a glossary provided for support. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding. This resource is designed for middle school science classrooms and includes audio integration for accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Prism splits white light; RGB and CMY mix; sky scenes. — Light splits, mixes, and colors our world—day to sunset.

White light is not just one color, but a combination of many colors. When white light passes through a glass prism, it spreads out into a rainbow of colors known as the visible spectrum. Each color in the spectrum has a different wavelength, which determines how it interacts with materials. The study of how light creates color helps scientists understand important natural events and invent new technologies.

The Mechanism of Color: Reflection and Absorption

Objects appear colored because they interact with light in specific ways. When light strikes an object, certain wavelengths are absorbed, while others are reflected. For example, a red apple appears red because it reflects red wavelengths and absorbs the rest. The color we see depends on which wavelengths are reflected to our eyes. Materials like paint or fabric contain pigments that absorb some colors and reflect others. In contrast, the primary colors of light—red, green, and blue (RGB)—can be combined to make all other colors. When these colors mix together, they create white light again. However, pigments use a different mixing system, called CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow), which is important for printing and art.

Light and Color in the Natural World

The interaction of light and color explains phenomena we see every day. The sky appears blue because air molecules scatter shorter blue wavelengths more than longer red wavelengths. This process is called Rayleigh scattering. During sunset, the sun’s light travels through more atmosphere, so the blue light is scattered away and only the longer red and orange wavelengths reach our eyes. Quantitatively, blue light (about 475 nanometers) scatters nearly ten times more than red light (about 650 nanometers). These observations have been confirmed through scientific experiments and help us understand weather, climate, and even pollution patterns.

Applications and Broader Implications

Understanding color and light is essential in many fields. Scientists and engineers use this knowledge to design better cameras, televisions, and optical instruments. Artists use pigments and color mixing principles to create vivid paintings. Environmental scientists study how light interacts with the atmosphere to monitor Earth’s health. The science of color connects to broader ideas about energy, waves, and how our senses interpret information from the world.

As we continue to learn about light, new discoveries in color science can lead to advances in technology, art, and our understanding of nature.

Interesting Fact: The mantis shrimp can see many more colors than humans, detecting up to 12 different color channels compared to our three!

What happens when white light passes through a prism?

It splits into a spectrum of colors.It disappears completely.It turns into only red and blue light.It becomes invisible to the eye.

Why does a red apple appear red to our eyes?

It absorbs red light and reflects the rest.It reflects red light and absorbs the rest.It produces its own red light.It contains only blue pigments.

Which process explains why the sky is blue?

CondensationRayleigh scatteringReflectionAbsorption

According to the passage, what are the primary colors of light?

Red, yellow, blueCyan, magenta, yellowRed, green, blueGreen, orange, purple

Which of the following best describes the visible spectrum?

The part of light we can see, shown as a rainbow of colors.All types of light, including X-rays and microwaves.Only red and blue light.A mixture of sounds and colors.

What does the term 'wavelength' mean in the context of light?

The time it takes for light to travel.The distance between two peaks of a light wave.The speed of light.The color of an object.

Which statement is supported by the passage?

Pigments and light use the same color mixing system.Blue light scatters more than red light in the atmosphere.All objects reflect all wavelengths equally.Only scientists use color mixing principles.

How does understanding color and light help environmental scientists?

It helps them monitor Earth's health and study pollution.It helps them build stronger buildings.It teaches them how to paint.It allows them to predict earthquakes.

True or False: The primary colors of pigment are red, green, and blue.

TrueFalse

True or False: The mantis shrimp can see more colors than humans.

TrueFalse