How does the Trichromatic Theory explain color blending?

The Trichromatic Theory, proposed by Hermann von Helmholtz, posits that the human eye contains three types of cone photoreceptors, each sensitive to different portions of the light spectrum (long wavelengths for red, medium wavelengths for green, and short wavelengths for blue). When we perceive colors, it is based on the combined stimulation of these three types of cones.

The correct answer highlights that color blending occurs by stimulating different types of cones in the retina simultaneously. For example, when both red-sensitive and green-sensitive cones are activated, we perceive yellow. This blending of signals from different cone types allows us to see a wide range of colors through a process of additive color mixing, where overlapping wavelengths create new color perceptions.

In contrast, mixed lighting conditions generating a third color does not accurately describe how our eyes perceive color through the Trichromatic Theory, as it focuses on specific wavelengths only, rather than the combined stimulation of the cones. Similarly, focusing on specific wavelengths overlooks the essential interaction between the cones, and the perception of brightness and darkness relates more to the opponent process theory rather than the foundational principles of the Trichromatic Theory.