perusvärimallit

Perusvärimallit, or primary color models, are fundamental systems used to create and represent colors. They are based on a set of colors, the primary colors, which cannot be created by mixing other colors within that model. By mixing these primary colors in different proportions, a wide range of other colors can be produced.

The most common perusvärimallit are additive and subtractive models. The additive color model, often referred to as RGB (Red, Green, Blue), is used in digital displays like monitors and televisions. In this model, red, green, and blue light are combined. When all three are mixed at full intensity, they produce white light. The absence of all three colors results in black. This model is additive because light is being added together to create colors.

The subtractive color model, commonly known as CMY(K) (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and often Black), is used in printing. Here, cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments or inks are used. These colors are subtractive because they absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. For instance, cyan ink absorbs red light and reflects green and blue. When cyan, magenta, and yellow are mixed, they theoretically produce black by absorbing all wavelengths of light. In practice, a pure black is often added as 'K' (key) for better depth and contrast, leading to the CMYK model. This model is subtractive because colors are created by removing light from a white surface. Understanding these primary color models is crucial in fields ranging from graphic design and photography to display technology and printing.