Lighting and Color Theory Flashcards
6 cards from real IDFX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Lighting and Color Theory flashcards as text
Which term describes the color appearance of a light source as either warm or cool, expressed in Kelvin?
Answer: Correlated color temperature (CCT)
Correlated color temperature (CCT) measures the warmth or coolness of a light source in Kelvin (K). Lower values (2700-3000K) appear warm/amber; higher values (5000-6500K) appear cool/blue-white.
In the Ostwald color system, what does the term 'full color' refer to?
Answer: A color at maximum saturation with no white or black mixed in
In the Ostwald system, 'full color' (pure color) is the unmodified hue at its maximum chromatic intensity, with no white or black added. Adding white creates tints, adding black creates shades, and adding both creates tones.
Accent lighting typically provides how many times the ambient illuminance level at the highlighted object?
Answer: 3 to 5 times
Effective accent lighting for artwork, merchandise, or architectural features is typically 3 to 5 times the ambient illuminance level. This ratio creates sufficient contrast to draw attention without excessive glare.
The Bezold effect in color theory describes which visual phenomenon?
Answer: A color shift caused by mixing small dots of different hues
The Bezold effect (or Bezold spreading effect) occurs when a color appears to change depending on whether small amounts of a light or dark color are mixed into a pattern — the entire pattern seems to shift in lightness or hue.
Which type of electric lamp produces light by exciting a gas (mercury vapor) to emit ultraviolet radiation, which then activates a phosphor coating?
Answer: Fluorescent lamp
Fluorescent lamps work by passing an electric arc through low-pressure mercury vapor, producing UV radiation. The UV excites the phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube, which converts it to visible light.
What is the primary design consideration when selecting colors for a space intended for elderly occupants?
Answer: Maximizing contrast between surfaces to aid visibility and wayfinding
As the eye ages, the lens yellows and pupils become smaller, reducing light transmission and color discrimination. High contrast between floors, walls, furniture edges, and door frames is essential for safety and wayfinding for elderly occupants.