SHREE NIKETAN PATASALA

VARADARAJAPURAM, CHENNAI – 600048

PHYSICS PROJECT WORK

On
LONG AND SHORT WAVELENGTH COLOURS

By
NAME: GAYATHRI S
CLASS: XII

With the guidance of

Ms. Susila Mary

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LONG AND SHORT WAVELENGTH COLOURS

A PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

GAYATHRI S
CLASS XII

Shree Niketan Patasala

Varadarajapuram

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 Acknowledgement

In the completion of my physics project, I wish to extend

my profound gratitude to my teacher and principal for
their abiding support and guidance. Their invaluable
feedback and encouragement have significantly
contributed to my academic progress.

Moreover, I would like to recognize my family for their

unwavering encouragement and understanding during
the duration of this project. Their continuous support
has been a wellspring of motivation and fortitude,
enabling me to surmount the obstacles I encountered.

Their unwavering encouragement has been pivotal in

shaping my success in this endeavor. I am privileged to
have engaged in this project and am appreciative of the
support received which has been truly priceless and has
played a pivotal role in my academic accomplishments.

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 Abstract

This investigatory project explores the effects of long

and short wavelength colors on internal temperature,
thermodynamics in nature, psychology, behavior, and
physical well-being. Through controlled experiments, it
reveals that long wavelength colors such as red and
orange raise internal temperature by absorbing heat
energy, while short wavelength colors like blue and
green reflect heat, creating cooler environments.

The study also examines how coloration in nature

regulates temperature through processes like albedo,
influencing climate patterns. It investigates the
psychological impact of colors on human behavior,
revealing distinct emotional and cognitive reactions
associated with different colors.

Additionally, the project touches upon the concept of

color therapy, indicating its potential to influence
physiological processes such as heart rate and blood
pressure. Overall, this investigation provides insights
into the multifaceted effects of colors on various aspects
of life, laying the groundwork for future research and
practical applications.

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 Table of content
1. Introduction
2. Importance of Light
3. Combination of Colors and Internal Temperature
4. Experiment to prove color dependency of heat
5. Application in real life
6. Effect of Colors on Psychology & Physiological of
Living Beings
7. How We See Color

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 Introduction

Colors are ubiquitous in our daily lives, surrounding us

with a kaleidoscope of visual stimuli that evoke
emotions, influence decisions, and shape our
perceptions of the world. Yet, beyond their aesthetic
appeal, colors possess profound effects on diverse
aspects of life, spanning the realms of physics, biology,
psychology, and medicine. Among the key
characteristics of colors are their wavelengths, which
can be broadly categorized into long and short
wavelengths. Understanding the impact of these
wavelengths on internal temperature, thermodynamics
in nature, psychology, behavior, and physical well-being
is the focus of this investigatory project.

The interplay between long and short wavelength colors

and their effects on various domains of existence is a
subject of growing interest and importance. By delving
into this complex relationship, we aim to unravel the
underlying mechanisms and implications of color
phenomena, shedding light on both fundamental
principles and practical applications.

Through a series of controlled experiments and

interdisciplinary explorations, this project seeks to
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answer pressing questions such as: How do different
color combinations influence the internal temperature
of a room? What role do colors play in regulating
thermodynamics in natural ecosystems? How do colors
affect human psychology, behavior, and well-being? And
what potential do colors hold for therapeutic
interventions and medical treatments?

By addressing these questions, we endeavor to deepen

our understanding of the role of colors in shaping our
environment, experiences, and ultimately, our lives. This
project serves as a stepping stone for further research
and exploration in this fascinating field, with
implications for diverse areas ranging from architecture
and design to healthcare and environmental
conservation.

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Importance of Light

Light allows us to see the surrounding world by

distinguishing details, individual colors, movement,
and brightness. It has a very big impact on a human in
terms of the physiology and psyche.

But light also has extremely important

functions in relation to a lot of biological processes
that occur in our body. This is, e.g., the correct
metabolism, blood circulation and hormone balance
of a human. This light also synchronizes our internal
clock, thanks to which our body functions in a certain
rhythm.
Of all five senses, the sight provides us
with the most information about our environment,
and this is one reason why light has such a big impact
on our everyday functioning and mood. Adequate
lighting improves visibility and safety, especially after
dark, when our eyesight does not fulfill its role well
anymore. Light can also reduce our fatigue and affect
the improvement of work productivity. And to top it
all, it can positively affect our mood and well-being.
Of course, these are only examples of how light affects
our everyday life. In fact, there are many more areas
that are regulated by access to the right amount of
light. We must remember to provide ourselves with
this important "fuel".
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Combination of Colors and Internal
Temperature

The interaction between colors and internal

temperature in an environment is governed by
fundamental principles of physics, particularly those
related to the absorption and reflection of light. Colors
can be broadly categorized into long wavelength colors,
such as red and orange, and short wavelength colors,
like blue and green. This categorization is based on the
electromagnetic spectrum, where longer wavelengths
correspond to warmer colors and shorter wavelengths
to cooler colors.

Theory

Long wavelength colors, such as red and orange, have

the ability to absorb more light energy, including heat,
while short wavelength colors, like blue and green, tend
to reflect more light, dissipating heat. When light falls
on a surface, the absorption or reflection of different
wavelengths of light leads to variations in temperature
within the environment. Consequently, rooms painted in
warm hues like red or orange may exhibit higher
temperatures due to increased light absorption, while

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rooms painted in cool colors like blue or green may
maintain lower temperatures by reflecting more light.

 range with a wavelength from 380 nm to 436 nm -

violet
 range with a wavelength from 436 nm to 495 nm -
blue
 range with a wavelength from 495 nm to 566 nm -
green
 range with a wavelength from 566 nm to 589 nm -
yellow
 range with a wavelength from 589 nm to 627 nm -
orange
 wavelength range from 627 nm to 780 nm - red.

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Experiment to prove color
dependency of heat

Materials Required
1. Two identical rooms or chambers or boxes with
similar dimensions
2. Temperature sensors or thermometers
3. Paint in different color schemes (e.g., warm colors -
red or orange, cool colors - blue or green)
4. Brushes, rollers, and other painting equipment
5. Light sources (natural or artificial)
6. Stopwatch or timer

Experiment Steps:

1. Preparation: Select two identical rooms / chambers /

boxes with similar dimensions and environmental
conditions. Ensure that both are adequately ventilated
and insulated to minimize external influences on
temperature.

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2. Painting: Paint one box with warm hues such as red or
orange, and the other room with cool hues like blue or
green. Apply the paint evenly to all surfaces, using
brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Allow sufficient time for
the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the
next step.

3. Calibration: Calibrate the temperature sensors or

thermometers to ensure accurate measurements. Place
one sensor in each room at a consistent height and
location, away from direct sunlight or other sources of
heat.

4. Baseline Measurement: Take initial temperature

readings in both rooms to establish a baseline. Record
the readings at regular intervals over a period of time to
capture any fluctuations in temperature.

5. Light Exposure: Expose both rooms to similar light

conditions, either natural sunlight or artificial lighting,
for the duration of the experiment. Ensure that the
intensity and duration of light exposure are consistent
across both rooms.

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6. Data Collection: Continuously monitor and record the
temperature readings in both box/ rooms using the
temperature sensors or thermometers. Note any
differences in temperature between the room painted
with warm colors and the room painted with cool colors.

7. Analysis: Analyze the collected data to determine the

impact of color combinations on internal temperature.
Compare the temperature trends observed in the room
painted with warm colors to those in the room painted
with cool colors.

Conclusion

Through the conducted experiment exploring the

influence of color combinations on internal
temperature, it becomes evident that the choice of
colors significantly impacts the thermal dynamics of an
environment. The theory underlying the experiment,
which suggests that long wavelength colors absorb more
heat energy while short wavelength colors reflect heat,
is supported by empirical evidence.
In our experiment, the room painted with warm hues
such as red or orange exhibited higher internal
temperatures compared to the room painted with cool

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hues like blue or green. This observation aligns with the
expected outcome based on the light absorption
properties of different colors. Specifically, warm colors
absorb more heat energy from light sources,
contributing to elevated temperatures within the space

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Application in real life

To provide a quantitative perspective, it can be inferred

that the range of heat absorption for warm colors like
red or orange falls within the higher end of the
spectrum, while cool colors like blue or green exhibit
relatively lower heat absorption. While specific values
may vary depending on factors such as paint type,
surface area, and light intensity, this general trend holds
true across various conditions.

The implications of these findings extend beyond the

confines of the experiment, particularly in the context of
architectural and interior design. In regions
characterized by hot climates or ample sunlight, such as
arid deserts or tropical zones, the use of cool colors like
blue or green can help mitigate heat absorption, thus
maintaining cooler indoor temperatures and reducing
reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Conversely, in
colder climates or areas with limited sunlight, warm

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colors such as red or orange may be preferred to
enhance thermal comfort and minimize heat loss.
By considering the geological and climatic characteristics
of different regions, architects and homeowners can
make informed decisions regarding the selection of
colors for painting houses and other built environments.
This strategic approach not only optimizes thermal
performance but also contributes to energy
conservation and sustainability efforts on a broader
scale.
In conclusion, the experiment underscores the
importance of color choices in shaping internal
temperature and highlights the potential for leveraging
this knowledge to create comfortable, energy-efficient
living spaces tailored to the unique needs of different
geological regions.

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Effect of Colors on Psychology &
Physiological of Living Beings

Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and

Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or the use of colors
to heal. Chromo therapy is sometimes referred to as
light therapy or colorology.
Colorology is still used today as a holistic or alternative
treatment4. In this treatment:
Red is used to stimulate the body and mind and to
increase circulation.
Yellow is thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the
body.
Orange is used to heal the lungs and to increase energy
levels.
Blue is believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
Indigo shades are thought to alleviate skin problems.
While more research is needed, a 2020 study suggested
that chromotherapy may be an effective way to help
combat feelings of compassion fatigue and post-
traumatic stress in intensive care unit nurses
Cool colors like blue, green, and purple create feelings of
calm, tranquility, and relaxation. They help relax the
mind and body, reducing stress and lowering blood
pressure. Healthcare settings often use blue to promote
feelings of trust and calm, while green is associated with
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nature, growth, and harmony.

Red
Red is the longest wavelength of light on the visible light
spectrum, with a wavelength range of 620-750
nanometers. In western cultures, red is commonly
associated with power, control, and strength, and
passion.
It also serves as a powerful visual signal for danger and
evokes a sense of alertness. For example, red traffic
lights are used universally to signal drivers to stop and
be vigilant. In nature, some animals, such as poisonous
snakes and insects, have red coloration to communicate
their dangerous and deadly nature.

The color red is also closely linked to the body's

physiological response to stress and danger. When faced
with a threat or a stressful situation, the sight of red can
provoke the brain's amygdala, which in turn triggers the
fight or flight response. This instinctual reaction
prepares the body for action by increasing metabolism
and elevating blood pressure, enabling individuals to
react swiftly to alarming circumstances.

Blue

Blue is often associated with calmness and tranquility. It

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symbolizes logic, communication, and intelligence. It is
linked with low stress, low temperature, and low pulse
rate. Blue is also associated with a lack of warmth,
emotional distance, and indifference. Despite these
negative associations, blue is consistently chosen as the
most popular color in research surveys worldwide.

In research studies, it has been found that blue light can

reset our sleep-wake cycles, also known as circadian
rhythms. The blue wavelengths of light from the sun
inhibit the pineal gland from releasing melatonin during
the day, which is the hormone that signals the body that
it is time to sleep. Instead, blue light stimulates us to
stay awake.

Yellow

"Yellow is a bright color and the most visible color to the

eye. It is associated with happiness, friendliness, and
signifies competence. Yellow is the color of optimism
and creativity. It attracts our attention and signifies
caution, as yellow is often used along with black on
traffic signs, taxis, and school buses. Interestingly,
yellow is also associated with fear, cowardice, and
sickness."

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Green

Green is located between yellow and blue on the visible

light spectrum. It represents balance, springtime,
growth, life, fertility, and nature. This color is associated
with safety, prosperity, wealth, good fortune, and
finances. Green is considered relaxing and soothing with
a calming effect, relieving stress. Negative associations
with green include greed, jealousy, apathy, and lethargy.

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How We See Color

We don't actually see colors with our eyes. We see

colors with our brains. Our eyes are important for
detecting and responding to light, but it is the brain's
visual center in the occipital lobes that processes visual
information and assigns color. The colors we see are
determined by the wavelength of light that is reflected.
Visible color wavelengths range from about 380
nanometers (nm) to about 750 nanometers. Different
colors along the visible light spectrum have different
wavelengths. For example, red has wavelengths ranging
from 620-750 nm, yellow from 570-590 nm, and blue
from 450-495 nm. Our eyes are equipped with
special photoreceptors called rods and cones. Rods are
more sensitive to light than cones and allow us to see in
dim light. Rods are not able to detect
color. Cones detect a range of color light wavelengths.
Our eyes have three types of cones: blue, green, and
red. The red cones are most sensitive to red
wavelengths, blue cones to blue wavelengths, and green
cones to green wavelengths. When a color is reflected
from an object, the light wavelength hits the eyes and
cones send signals to the visual cortex of the brain for
processing. Our brain associates the wavelength with a
color. Although our eyes have three cone types, the

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different wavelengths of light detected by the cones
overlap. The brain integrates these overlapping
wavelength signals sent from cones enabling us to
distinguish between millions of different colors.

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 Bibliography

https://4naturesystem.com/en/blog/bid-46-importance-of-light-for-
plants--
https://lenalighting.com/company/knowledge-base/1795-the-spectrum-
of-visible-light-the-wavelength-of-the-light
https://www.thoughtco.com/color-psychology-and-human-behavior-
4151666

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