Why Things Have Color

The color of every object you see is determined by which wavelengths of light its atoms absorb and which they reflect. A leaf appears green because chlorophyll molecules absorb red and blue light for photosynthesis and reflect green back to your eyes.

White objects reflect nearly all visible wavelengths. Black objects absorb nearly all of them, converting the energy to heat — which is why black cars are hotter in summer. Every color you see is atoms selectively swallowing light.