AVIXA Recognized AV Technologist Test

What color is perceived when bright red, blue, and green light are mixed together?

1. violet

2. white

3. brown

4. black

The correct answer is: white

Mixing bright red, blue, and green light together results in the perception of white light. This phenomenon is due to the additive color mixing process, where different colors of light combine to create new colors. In additive color mixing, when primary colors (red, green, and blue) are combined in equal intensity, they produce white light because the combination encompasses the full spectrum of visible light. When dealing with light, such as that from screens or stage lighting, each color adds energy to the overall result. Therefore, rather than creating a darker or different hue as one might experience with pigments, combining these bright colors intensifies the overall brightness and results in the perception of white. This distinction is crucial in understanding color theory in the context of light versus pigment mixing, where red, blue, and green dyes or paints mixed together would yield different results, such as brown. The nature of light mixing leads to a completely different outcome than mixing paints or inks.