The controls set three digital light contributions. Equal nonzero RGB values produce a neutral shade; unequal values favour different colour sensations. Pairwise combinations illustrate additive primaries and secondaries. Actual perceived colour also depends on the lamps' spectra, viewing conditions and the observer, so these swatches are comparisons rather than calibrated colour measurements.
Light, sound and electricity · Discover & try
What happens when coloured lights overlap?
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additive mixing
Combining light contributions.
RGB
Red, green and blue display channels.
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See how it works
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Illustrative additive RGB display; not paint mixing or calibrated lamp spectra.
What to look for
- Pairs make different colours
- Balanced channels give neutral light
- Zero channels leave the screen dark
Explain what you noticed
A stage already has equal red and blue beams. Which added beam makes the centre neutral in this RGB model?
Keep this idea: Mixing light follows different rules from mixing paint.
Follow the sources
- Smithsonian Libraries — The Science of Color
- Smithsonian National Postal Museum — Revealing the Rainbow: Science of Color
Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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