Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the relationship between black and white in RGB color space?

1. They represent opposite ends of brightness

2. They are equal in color contribution

3. They have no relevance to each other

4. They are both considered primary colors

The correct answer is: They represent opposite ends of brightness

In the RGB color space, black and white represent opposite ends of brightness, making this choice correct. In this system, colors are created by mixing red, green, and blue light at different intensities. White is produced when all three colors are combined at full intensity, resulting in maximum brightness. Conversely, black occurs when there is an absence of light, meaning all color contributions are at zero intensity. This stark contrast illustrates how black and white function as extremes on the brightness spectrum. The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between black and white in RGB. The notion that they are equal in color contribution does not hold, as their contributions are fundamentally different (one is full intensity and the other is zero). The statement that they have no relevance to each other is incorrect because they serve as key reference points in the color model. Lastly, while primary colors are essential for color mixing, black and white are not typically categorized as primary colors in the RGB model. Instead, they are used to define the boundaries of brightness and contrast within that space.