Your eyes are also detectors, but only of visible light. The observed color of a complex is not the color/wavelength of light being absorbed, but rather what is being transmitted or not absorbed (which is the complimentary color/wavelength). A color wheel is helpful in determining this relationship.
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When you "see" or detect red, the object is transmitting red and therefore absorbing the complementary color or green. During your experiment, it will be important to keep in mind this complimentary relationship for colors you observe and the wavelengths absorbed by your products.
4. Suppose you have two different products: a green and an orange product. Which one absorbs the smallest wavelength? 5. Take the [V(H2O)6]2+ compound from earlier that is a deeper purple, what color and approximate wavelength of light is actually being absorbed by the complex? | |
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