The perception of color is not solely determined by the physical properties of light waves, such as their wavelengths. It is also influenced by the way our eyes and brain process and interpret those wavelengths. While the color spectrum is indeed linear, the way we perceive colors is based on how our eyes detect different wavelengths and how our brain interprets that information.
Our eyes contain specialized cells called cones that are responsible for detecting different wavelengths of light. We have three types of cones that are most sensitive to short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) wavelengths. When light enters our eyes, these cones are activated to different degrees depending on the wavelengths present in the light.
However, our perception of color is not solely determined by the individual responses of these cones. It is also influenced by how the signals from the cones are processed by our brain. Our brain takes into account the relative activation levels of these cones and combines them to create a perceived color. This perception can be influenced by various factors, including our individual sensitivity to certain wavelengths and the way our brain processes and interprets the signals.
In the case of the color wheel, it is a representation of how colors are arranged in a circular format rather than a linear spectrum. The circular arrangement is based on the concept of color harmony and how colors can be combined to create pleasing visual compositions. The colors on the opposite ends of the color wheel, such as red and violet, are complementary colors, which means they are perceived as contrasting and visually striking when placed together.
While red and violet are at the opposite ends of the visible spectrum, they can be perceived as similar or complementary in certain contexts due to how our eyes and brain process and interpret the wavelengths of light.