Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What determines hue in color theory?

1. Amount of light reflected by a hue

2. Wavelength of light

3. Type of pigment used

4. Texture of the paint surface

The correct answer is: Wavelength of light

In color theory, hue is primarily determined by the wavelength of light. The concept of hue relates directly to the specific wavelength in the visible spectrum that light occupies. When we observe a color, it is essentially a perception of the wavelengths of light that are emitted, transmitted, or reflected by an object. Each color corresponds to a different wavelength; for example, red light has a longer wavelength, while blue light has a shorter wavelength. This understanding is essential for various fields, including art, design, and science, as it explains why colors can change based on lighting and other factors, but the hue remains tied to the characteristic wavelength of light that defines it. In contrast, the other options, while related to color and its appearance, do not define hue in a fundamental way. The amount of light reflected by a hue, the type of pigment used, and the texture of the paint surface all influence how we perceive color, but they do not determine the hue itself in terms of its scientific definition.