A S t udy o n C o l o r S urf ac e

and th e R ef le c ti vi t y of L i gh t
By: Pedro Gandolfi, Leonardo Mantovani , and
João Pedro Santos

PURPOSE: DATA COLLECTION & GRAPHS:

HYPOTHESIS:
If different colors of surfaces (white, black, red, green) are tested using a
spectrophotometer, then a greater percentage of reflectivity will be
measured for the lighter colors, because lighter colors have wavelengths that
reflect more light.

VARIABLES:
Independent Variable (IV): Color of Surface, material of the surface.
Dependent Variable (DV): % Reflectivity of light
Controls: Light sensor, ring stand, utility clamp, light source.
ANALYSIS:
PROCEDURE & MATERIALS: Using the vernier computing device through our experiment, numerous observations were
Materials List: made. The black color reflected the least light at 55 lux, while white showed the highest
Computer; White Paper; Vernier computer Interface; Black Paper; Light Sensor; reflection at 250 lux, demonstrating that lighter colors reflect more light. The experiment also
2 other pieces of colored paper; Ring Stand; Aluminum Foil, and Utility Clamp. noted the impact of the physical state of materials, such as size and roughness, on reflection
values. For instance, altering the size or smoothness of green sheets and aluminum changed
Procedure:
their reflection values significantly, with smoother, uncrumpled aluminum reflecting as high as
At the start of the experiment, a light source will be positioned 5 cm above the 326 lux. The data revealed a near-linear relationship between color brightness and light
surface on which we will experiment. Then connect the computer interface. reflection; the darker colors absorbed more light, meaning that they reflected less. For
After that, experiment and record the reflected light value and the color of the example, white reflected about 77-78% of the light compared to aluminum, the highest
surface on which we tested. After doing the same procedure for the rest of the reflector, while mid-range colors like green and red reflected about 56% and 37%, respectively.
surfaces, aluminum, black, white, and two other colors. Following that, we will This experiment confirmed that the color of a surface significantly influences the amount of
place the results of the experiments in a table, analyze the results, and light it reflects, correlating with the properties of light absorption and reflection across
produce data. Finally, we are going to respond to questions and conclude if the different colors. These findings are valuable across various fields, including engineering,
hypothesis was correct. physics, and computer science, for applications that depend on understanding light-material
interactions.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, my experiment validated the hypothesis that lighter-colored surfaces reflect more light. The data supported this, with white surfaces reflecting the most light at 253
lux, while black surfaces reflected the least at 55 lux. Comparing colors like green and red further illustrated this, showing that lighter green reflected more light than darker red,
with values of 184 and 115 lux, respectively. The only aspect that could be improved upon is the light source, as the readings fluctuated slightly during documentation, possibly due
to the position of the light source. A more stable, closer light source might reduce these oscillations. Also, standardizing the size of the paper samples beforehand could eliminate
size as a variable, ensuring more consistent results. Despite these minor suggestions for improvement, the experiment was highly effective, and smoothly conducted without
significant issues, and the data collected was coherent and supported the initial hypothesis well. This successful experiment demonstrated how the color of a surface significantly
influences the amount of light it reflects, confirming the hypothesis and contributing valuable insights into the properties of light reflection.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Andor. “What is Light? - An overview of the properties of light - Oxford Instruments.” Andor Technology,
Oxford Instruments, https://andor.oxinst.com/learning/view/article/what-is-light.
Straley, J. P., and S. S. Kovash. "The Physics of Light -- Color." University of Kentucky Physics Department,
2002,
www.pa.uky.edu/~sciworks/light/preview/color4aa.htm#:~:text=White%20objects%20look%20white%20bec
ause,wavelengths%3B%20the%20rest%20they%20absorb.
Fellers, Thomas J., and Michael W. Davidson. “Reflection of Light | What is Reflection of Light?” Olympus
Life Science, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, https://www.olympus-
lifescience.com/en/microscope-
resource/primer/lightandcolor/reflectionintro/#:~:text=Reflection%20of%20light%20
Spring, Kenneth R., and Michael W. Davidson. "Sources of Visible Light - Introduction." Olympus Life
Science, Scientific Consultant, Lusby, Maryland, 20657, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 East
Paul Dirac Dr.,
The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310, https://www.olympus-
lifescience.com/en/microscope-resource/primer/lightandcolor/lightsourcesintro/
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Polarization | Definition & Types." Britannica, Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 15 Sep. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/polarization-physics
Comunale, Joseph. “Light | Study, Properties & Uses - Video & Lesson Transcript.” Study.com, 14 November
2021, https://study.com/learn/lesson/study-light.html.
3M. "Reflectivity Flyer." 3M, 2004, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/295767O/reflectivity-flyer.pdf
"Reflection of Light." Science Learning Hub, The University of Waikato, 18 April 2012, updated 27 August
2020, www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/48-reflection-of-light.