What happens when colors merge in a continuous spectrum?

When colors merge in a continuous spectrum, they blend smoothly into each other. This phenomenon is a result of the way light behaves and is perceived by the human eye. In a continuous spectrum, such as that produced by white light passing through a prism, different wavelengths of light are refracted at slightly different angles. This refraction causes the colors to transition gradually from one to the next—such as from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—without any distinct breaks or lines between them.

This blending is vital in understanding how the human eye interprets colors. For instance, when we look at a rainbow or observe the colors on a screen, we see a range of hues rather than sharp, separated lines or patches of color. The smooth transition is indicative of a continuous distribution of wavelengths that our eyes can perceive as a spectrum rather than discrete segments. Thus, the correct response reflects the nature of light and color representation in a continuous spectrum.