Question

How many colours are there in the Ostwald cycle?

• A. 6
• B. 5
• C. 7
• D. 8

Hint:

While the full Ostwald system is complex with 24 hues, basic representations and exam questions usually refer to the 8 principal colours formed by its four primaries and four secondaries.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question asks for the number of principal colours in the Ostwald colour cycle, a system developed by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Wilhelm Ostwald.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
The Ostwald colour system is based on four fundamental colours: Yellow, Red, Blue, and Sea Green. Between these four primaries, he placed four intermediate secondary colours: Orange, Purple, Turquoise, and Leaf Green.
This creates a principal colour cycle or wheel of 8 distinct colours:
1. Yellow
2. Orange
3. Red
4. Purple
5. Blue (Ultramarine)
6. Turquoise
7. Sea Green
8. Leaf Green
The full Ostwald circle contains 24 hues, but the primary and secondary colours form a cycle of 8.
Step 3: Final Answer
The Ostwald cycle is commonly represented with 8 principal colours.