Explain the difference between additive and subtractive color theory, especially by providing some concrete examples to back up your claims.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Additive and subtractive color theories describe how colors are created based on different methods of combining light or pigments.
Additive Color Theory:
Additive color theory is based on the combination of different light wavelengths. The primary colors in additive color theory are red, green, and blue (RGB). When combined in varying intensities, these colors of light can create all other colors in the spectrum, including white. This method is used in light-based systems like computer screens, televisions, and digital displays.
For example, when red and green light mix, they produce yellow. Red and blue make magenta, while green and blue make cyan. When all three colors—red, green, and blue—are mixed at full intensity, they produce white light. If you were to use an RGB display, like a television screen, the colors you see are created by the additive combination of red, green, and blue light.
Subtractive Color Theory:
Subtractive color theory works by filtering out or subtracting certain wavelengths of light. This theory is applied when mixing pigments, paints, or inks. The primary colors in subtractive color theory are cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these colors are mixed, they absorb (subtract) specific wavelengths of light and reflect others. Combining them in different ratios will produce various colors, with the combination of all three yielding black (in an ideal model).
For example, when cyan and magenta pigments mix, they produce blue; cyan and yellow make green; and magenta and yellow create red. In printing, the process involves the use of these colors (often with black added, in CMYK) to create a wide range of hues. The subtractive model explains why, when you mix pigments, the result tends to get darker as more colors are added, as each pigment absorbs more light.
Conclusion:
The key difference between additive and subtractive color theories is that additive color theory involves light mixing, leading to the creation of white light, while subtractive color theory involves pigment mixing, which results in the absorption of light and the creation of darker colors.