What is a continuous spectrum?

A continuous spectrum refers to a seamless transition of colors, illustrating a smooth blend from one hue to the next without any abrupt divisions. This phenomenon occurs when light is emitted or refracted through a medium, allowing a full range of wavelengths to be visible.

The nature of a continuous spectrum enables it to represent all colors across the visual spectrum, such as those seen in a rainbow. This contrasts with a series of distinct colors, which would have sharp boundaries between them, creating a segmented appearance. A static representation of a single color, on the other hand, focuses on just one wavelength, while a limited range of wavelengths restricts the variety of colors visible. Thus, the smooth blending characteristic of a continuous spectrum clearly separates it from these other options, underscoring its unique and comprehensive representation of colors.