In the context of color perception, what does the term 'Additive Color Mixing' refer to?

Additive Color Mixing refers to the process wherein different wavelengths of light are combined to create new colors. This method primarily applies to light sources, such as screens and projectors, where combining their various colors (red, green, and blue) in different intensities can produce a wide spectrum of colors, including white light when all colors are mixed together at full intensity. This principle is foundational to how colors are perceived in digital displays and stage lighting.

The process differs significantly from subtractive color mixing, which involves pigments and inks where colors are created by the absorption of light rather than its addition. Understanding this distinction is crucial in fields like art, design, and photography, where color theory is applied based on the nature of materials being used.