Physics Light Lab

Light Source

Filter 1

Filter 2

Red Ray

Green Ray

Blue Ray

Understanding the Model

This simulation uses a Ray Decomposition Model to show how subtractive filters work. When white light (composed of Red, Green, and Blue primary colors) hits a filter, certain components are absorbed while others are transmitted.

Cyan filter absorbs Red and passes Green and Blue.
Magenta filter absorbs Green and passes Red and Blue.
Yellow filter absorbs Blue and passes Red and Green.