Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual
White Light & Colour
Explain that white light is a mixture of all visible colours (ROYGBIV), describe dispersion through a prism, explain why objects appear coloured (selective reflection and absorption of wavelengths), and describe colour mixing with filters
Suggested ages 11–12
Evidence of understanding
- Lists the colours of the visible spectrum in order of increasing frequency
- Explains why a prism disperses white light into a spectrum
- Explains why a red object looks red under white light but black under blue light
- Predicts the colour of an object seen through a colour filter
Assessment prompt
If White Light & Colour shone white light through a prism, could they explain why a rainbow of colours appears — and then predict what colour a blue jumper would look under red light and why?
Standards alignment
KS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.5GB · uk-nc-2013
Visible Light and the Spectrum
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3