Black

Black is the darkest color, arising from the absence or near absence of visible light. In physics, a perfect black body absorbs all wavelengths of light and reflects none; real objects approximate this by absorbing most light and appearing black. In color theory, black is treated differently in additive and subtractive systems: in additive color (light), black is the absence of light; in subtractive color (pigments and inks), black is produced by combining multiple pigments, often with carbon-based black.

In practical applications, black provides depth and contrast in art, design, and printing. It is used to convey formality, elegance, or authority, and its use affects perceived weight and value in grayscale work. In printing, black is the “K” in the CMYK model, where it strengthens contrast and tonal range. In heraldry, sable denotes the color black. In fashion and interior design, black is often associated with sophistication and timelessness, though its extensive use can be perceived as somber.

Beyond appearance, black appears in science and culture. In astronomy and physics, terms such as black holes describe regions of spacetime with gravity so strong that nothing can escape, while a blackbody represents an idealized emitter that absorbs all incident radiation. Culturally, the term Black is used as an identifier for people of African descent in many contexts, a label that varies by culture and evolves with social norms. The word also appears in idioms and phrases such as black market or blacklist, reflecting historical associations with illegality or secrecy.