We perceive colors because of the wavelengths of light that are reflected back into our eyes. This is the same as saying that we do NOT see the colors/wavelengths that are absorbed by an object.
White light, by definition, contains all the various wavelengths of light that are visible to humans. This is a small part of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, which includes wavelengths that are too long or too short for us to see. Kourtney is looking at a green paper. It appears green to her because the paper absorbs most of the visible wavelengths of light, and reflects wavelengths in the green spectrum (about 500-550 nanometers wavelength) back into Kourtney's eyes. Because we are shining white light on the paper, the green wavelengths are present in the light, and are reflected. Thus, the paper appears green to Kourtney--the paper absorbs most wavelengths, and reflects the green wavelengths back into her eyes.
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