Which color scheme includes three colors on the color wheel?

The correct answer is based on the definition of triadic color schemes, which utilize three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This arrangement creates a vibrant and balanced palette, allowing for strong contrast while maintaining harmony. For instance, a common triadic scheme is formed using primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—each separated by equal distances on the color wheel. This distribution enables designers and artists to create visually dynamic compositions.

In contrast, tetradic colors involve four colors, typically arranged into two complementary pairs, which introduces more complexity. Analogous colors are those that sit next to one another on the color wheel, resulting in schemes that often have a more serene and cohesive look because of their similarity. Complementary colors consist of pairs of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, creating high contrast and visual tension. These distinctions clarify why the triadic color scheme is specifically characterized by the use of three distinct colors.