# Explain why a red apple appears red when viewed in white light, and state what colour the same apple would appear when viewed in green light only.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 6.4 Colour and frequency · Explain · 4 marks

> White light is made up of all the colours of the visible spectrum. Objects appear coloured because of the way they absorb and reflect different colours of light.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. White light contains all colours of the visible spectrum (or all frequencies/wavelengths of visible light)
2. The apple absorbs all colours of light except red (absorbs all other colours/frequencies)
3. The apple reflects red light into our eyes (so we see it as red)
4. In green light only, the apple would appear black (because it absorbs green light and has no red light to reflect)

## Key terms

- [white light](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/white-light)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-red-apple-appears-e1bdf22a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.