How Do Computers See Color?

Checkpoints on this Page:

In the last activity, as with all pixels, each had a value for Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B). The values for each can range from 0 to 255. Let’s take a closer look at what these values mean. We’ll use the tool below to explore some values.

Slide the R, G, or B to see how it affects the color of the square!

R:
128
G:
128
B:
128

Let’s Try Some RGB Values!

🎯 Checkpoint 7. a: Use the slider tool above to answer the RGB questions below.

As you progress through the questions below, record your observations on the handout.

  1. Slide all values to zero. When R = 0, G = 0, and B = 0, what color do you see?

  2. Slide all values to 255. When R = 255, G = 255, and B = 255, what color do you see?

  3. Slide all values to 0. Change R to 255. What happens to the color?

  4. Slide all values to 0. Change G to 255. What happens to the color?

  5. Slide all values to 0. Change B to 255. What happens to the color?

Now let’s try some of the colors you obsevered in the last activity. Get your handout ready!

  1. Adjust the sliders to the RGB values you recorded for your apple. What color do you see? Is it similar to your apple?

  2. Repeat this for your orange’s RGB values. What color do you see? Is it similar to your orange?

  3. Finally, repeat this for your lime’s RGB values. What color do you see? Is it similar to your lime?

🎯 Checkpoint 7. b: What color does this RGB value represent? (110, 164, 212) Just like the computer, predict what fruit this could be from!