In lighting, what does the term "color temperature" refer to?

Color temperature is an essential concept in lighting that refers to the appearance of light, which is measured in Kelvin (K). This measurement indicates the warmth or coolness of a light source. Color temperatures below 3000 K produce warm light with yellowish hues, while temperatures above 5000 K yield cool light with bluish tones. Understanding color temperature helps in selecting the appropriate lighting for different environments, as it affects mood, aesthetics, and functionality.

Options related to intensity or lumens focus on the quantity of light emitted rather than its quality or appearance. The understanding of color at different frequencies generally pertains to the spectrum of light itself, rather than defining how that light is perceived in terms of warmth or coolness. Thus, emphasizing the significance of the Kelvin scale confirms why associating color temperature with its measurement in Kelvin is the accurate consideration in this context.