Pigments and Color Subtraction

The Pigments and Color Subtraction Video Tutorial explains what a pigment is and how it affects the color appearance of an object. The effect of combinations of pigments is discussed and the application of pigments to the world of color printing is explained. Numerous examples and illustrations give impact to the lesson.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

What are pigments and how do they affect the color appearance of objects?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Physics Interactives: Painting with CMY
The Painting With CMY simulation allows you to explore the result of imparting cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments in varying intensities to the fabric of the uniforms. Good news: you won't have any messes to clean up when you are done.

Physics Interactives: Viewed in Another Light
Turn on the white light and look at the color of five M&Ms. This is their color in white light. But what if you can change the light? Will a red M&M always look red? Find out with this interactive.

Concept Builder: Pigments
Our Concept Builders are always one of the best things that you can do to solidfy your learning. Explore the world of pigments and inks with this one.

Concept Builder: If This, Then That - Color Subtraction
Take the challenge of applying your newly learned Concepts to complete all three difficulty levels of the If This, Then That Concept Builder. Great thinking. Great interactivity.

Minds On Physics the App, Part 5, Light and Color Module, Missions LC5-LC6
If you want a Physics work out, then you will find it in our Minds On Physics apps. Purchase it for your phone or tablet and start lifting. Missions LC5 -LC6 pertains to the topic of color subtraction and pigments. Don't forget to use the textbook icon for help.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Light Waves and Color Chapter, Lesson 2 - Color Subtraction
The Tutorial section of our website explains and illustrates Physics concepts in an easy-to-understand language and a logical manner. This page in particular will provide strong Tutorial support for the lesson in this video:

Teacher Resources

Physics Interactives: Painting with CMY
The Painting With CMY simulation allows students to explore the result of imparting cyan. magenta, and yellow pigments in varying intensities to the fabric of the uniforms. You won't have any messes to clean up when you are done. The simulation is accompanied by a classroom-ready exercise.

Physics Interactives: Viewed in Another Light
This is an actual hands-on lab turned into an online Interactive during COVID19 days. While it's better as a lab, it's a great interactive for those who don't have the equipment. Like many of our Interactives, this one is accompanied by a classroom-ready exercise.

Concept Builder: Pigments
If you're not using Concept Builders, then you need to check them out. These interactive questioning modules probe student understanding in a playful manner ... with Stars, Trophies, and Dataways. With a Task Tracker account, you can easily track student progress. It's easy-peasy. Try this one on color pigments ... a perfect complement to this video.

Concept Builder: If This, Then That - Color Subtraction
Like many of our Concept Builders, the If This, Then That Concept Builder provides a great challenge to apply physics principles while using a good deal of logical reasoning.

Minds On Physics the App, Part 5, Light and Color Module, Missions LC5-LC6
Our Minds On Physics apps provide serious students a challenging tool for improving their game. App #5 includes three modules, one of which is Light and Color. Missions LC5-LC6 are a great complement to this Video Tutorial.

Curriculum Corner, Light and Color Section
Our free curriculum provides a great tool for skilled teachers to use with students within the classroom. Either as independent practice or group work, our Think Sheets provide an exceptional means of processing the ideas in this video. Try one of the following:
Viewed in Another Light
Pigments and Paints

Teacher Toolkits - Color Addition and Subtraction
We love our Teacher Toolkits. You will too. They include a collection of annotated links to vetted resources from accross the web that we feel coordinate very well with the resources on our own website. Check this one out!

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.