Yellow versus Green - Which color is more visible to the eye?

[Benm]

I remember i was taught in art class not to just splash a little yellow that wont belong as your eye would jump to that first every time. Its weird green doesnt do that, yet as light green is more vivid and visible.

That probably has a basis in psychology or neurology, not in the workings of the eye.

You get a similar effect with a yellow colored box/banner on a computer display: while its less bright then a white area, it does stand out more when looking at the overal picture.

 

[norbie]

I got this answer from a person:

Can someone clarify?
Honestly I always thought green was the winner..

From most visible to least I would assume it would be

Green
Yellow
Blue
Red
Violet

 

[yathern2]

From most visible to least I would assume it would be

Green
Yellow
Blue
Red
Violet

Kinda, but here is pretty much the ultimate answer:

 

[Cyparagon]

Green is brighter, mostly because even your chinese junk pointer will be several times the power of a yellow pointer.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Your brain probably interprets yellow/white etc. as brighter because in the context of multi-wavelength light sources, the yellow/white will be a combination of green and other wavelengths overlapping. Their combined power produces a brighter light than any of the individual wavelengths.

In terms of pure wavelength and power, the green will be brighter than yellow, centering around 555nm.