What Are Forbidden Colors?
Forbidden colors are pairs of hues that are impossible to see simultaneously. Composed of red-green and yellow-blue, these colors are known as “forbidden” because their light frequencies automatically cancel each other out in the human eye.
Understanding Forbidden Colors
The concept of forbidden colors is based on the Young-Helmholtz theory of trichromatic color vision. This theory states that the human eye contains three types of color receptors, or cones, that respond to different wavelengths of light. Red-green and yellow-blue are considered forbidden colors because the wavelengths of light that make up these colors are too close together for the eye to distinguish them.
The Perception of Forbidden Colors
Despite the fact that red-green and yellow-blue are considered forbidden colors, some people are able to perceive them. This is due to a phenomenon known as color constancy, which is the ability of the human eye to adjust to different levels of light. When the eye is exposed to a bright light, it can become more sensitive to certain colors, allowing people to see forbidden colors.
Applications of Forbidden Colors
Forbidden colors are used in a variety of applications, including color printing, graphic design, and television production. By using a combination of red-green and yellow-blue, designers can create a range of unique color combinations that are impossible to see with the naked eye.
Conclusion
Red-green and yellow-blue are the so-called “forbidden colors.” Composed of pairs of hues whose light frequencies automatically cancel each other out in the human eye, they’re impossible to see simultaneously. However, some people are able to perceive these colors due to a phenomenon known as color constancy. Forbidden colors are used in a variety of applications, including color printing, graphic design, and television production.
