NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

What effect do complementary colors have when placed adjacent to each other?

1. They dull each other's contrast

2. They reinforce each other's saturation

3. They blend to create gray

4. They become indistinguishable

The correct answer is: They reinforce each other's saturation

Complementary colors, when placed next to each other, enhance and reinforce each other's saturation. This is due to the way our visual perception works; complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. When these colors are placed adjacent to one another, they create a striking contrast that amplifies the intensity of both colors, making them appear more vibrant. This effect is often utilized in design and art to draw attention to specific elements or to create a dynamic visual impact. The increased contrast not only highlights the individual characteristics of each color but also generates a sense of energy within a composition.