What is the outcome when a stimulus exceeds the critical flicker frequency?

What is the outcome when a stimulus exceeds the critical flicker frequency?

• A. It appears flickering
• B. It appears steady
• C. It appears dimmer
• D. It causes visual distortion

Answer: (B)

When a stimulus exceeds the critical flicker frequency, it appears steady to the observer. The critical flicker frequency is the point at which the flickering of a light source becomes imperceptible to the human eye, and the light is perceived as a constant or steady source rather than one that is flickering. This occurs because the visual processing system integrates the incoming signals over a short period, resulting in a perception of continuity when the flickering occurs at a fast enough rate. Stimuli that flicker below this frequency are seen as discrete flashes rather than a continuous light, while those that exceed the frequency are no longer discernible as separate flickers. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, including lighting design, television frame rates, and the understanding of visual motion perception.

When a stimulus exceeds the critical flicker frequency, it appears steady to the observer. The critical flicker frequency is the point at which the flickering of a light source becomes imperceptible to the human eye, and the light is perceived as a constant or steady source rather than one that is flickering. This occurs because the visual processing system integrates the incoming signals over a short period, resulting in a perception of continuity when the flickering occurs at a fast enough rate.

Stimuli that flicker below this frequency are seen as discrete flashes rather than a continuous light, while those that exceed the frequency are no longer discernible as separate flickers. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, including lighting design, television frame rates, and the understanding of visual motion perception.