Newton's quote of "The Rays …are not colored" means that
A) we can determine the accuracy of color perception by measuring the wavelength of the light.
B) colors are created by our perceptual system.
C) the experience of color is not arbitrary.
D) a 450 nm pattern will look the identical shade of blue to all human trichromats.

Question

Newton's quote of "The Rays …are not colored" means that
A) we can determine the accuracy of color perception by measuring the wavelength of the 	light.
B) colors are created by our perceptual system.
C) the experience of color is not arbitrary.
D) a 450 nm pattern will look the identical shade of blue to all human trichromats.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Newton's quote implies that colors are not inherent in the world, but rather, are created by our perceptual system. This is because he observed that the light, or "rays," themselves do not have color, but rather, our brains interpret the wavelengths of the light to create the experience of color. Therefore, choice B is the best answer. Choice A is incorrect because while the wavelength of light does affect how we perceive color, it is not the sole factor. Choice C is partially correct, but the quote does not necessarily imply that the experience of color is fixed or universal. Choice D is also incorrect because even among human trichromats, there may be slight variations in color perception due to individual differences in cone sensitivities.

Newton's Quote of "The Rays …Are Not Colored" Means That