Exploring the Meaning of "Hard" & "Soft" Spectrums

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In summary, a spectrum is said to be "hard" when it has higher energy, frequency, and shorter wavelength compared to a "soft" spectrum. This can be seen in the difference between hard and soft gamma rays, as well as in the spectra of light element atmospheres where the flux is greater and the maxima are shifted towards higher energies, as described in the paper "Model neutron star atmospheres with low magnetic fields."
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nicksauce
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"Hard" Spectrum

What exactly is meant when a spectrum is said to be "hard" or "soft", or "harder"/"softer" compared to a different spectrum?


Cheers,
Nick
 
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Hard gamma rays, for example, have higher energy, higher frequency, and shorter wavelength than soft gamma rays.
 
  • #3


Thanks George Jones. I'm not entirely sure if that answers my question though.

For example consider the following from "Model neutron star atmospheres with low magnetic fields" Zavlin, Pavlov, Shibanov 1996. Astron. Astrophys 315, 141-152. http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9604072

In the abstract they write "... We show that the model atmosphere spectra are substantially different from the black-body spectra. For light element atmospheres, the flux is greater than the blackbody flux, and the spectrum is harder..."

What is the meaning of harder in this context?
 
  • #4


From the paper
The maxima of the spectra ... , i.e., they are shifted by a factor of 1.6 - 1.8 from the corresponding blackbody maxima towards higher energies.
 
  • #5


Ah... thank you very much.
 

1. What is the meaning of the "hard" and "soft" spectrums?

The "hard" and "soft" spectrums refer to the range of physical properties that materials can possess. These properties can be classified as either "hard," which refers to materials that are rigid and have a high resistance to deformation, or "soft," which refers to materials that are pliable and easily deformed.

2. How do scientists measure the hardness and softness of materials?

Scientists use various methods to measure the hardness and softness of materials. One common method is the Mohs scale, which rates minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Another method is the Vickers hardness test, which measures the resistance of a material to indentation using a diamond-tipped tool.

3. Why is understanding the hard and soft spectrums important?

Understanding the hard and soft spectrums is important because it allows scientists to predict how a material will behave under different conditions. This information is crucial in various fields, such as material science, engineering, and product design.

4. Can materials be both hard and soft?

Yes, some materials can possess both hard and soft properties. For example, rubber is a soft material, but it can also become hard when exposed to extreme temperatures or pressure. Additionally, some materials may have varying levels of hardness and softness, depending on their composition and structure.

5. How do the hard and soft spectrums relate to other material properties?

The hard and soft spectrums are closely related to other material properties, such as elasticity, strength, and toughness. Hard materials tend to be more elastic and have a higher strength but may be less tough. On the other hand, soft materials are generally less elastic and have a lower strength but may be more tough.

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