Questions

1. Most colored substances, like flowers or clothing, become colored because of the selective absorption of light. Does a red-colored substance absorb or not absorb red light? Explain.
2. An aqueous solution of potassium permanganate is a deep violet hue. The absorption spectrum of the solution shows that only a band of light around the green region of the spectrum is strongly absorbed. So why is potassium permanganate violet in color? (Hint: remember the principle of color additions.)