How does a black body emit as much energy as it absorbs?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a black body and how it absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation, including visible light. It is noted that visible light has a higher frequency and energy compared to IR radiation, which leads to the question of how a black body achieves equilibrium when it absorbs visible light and emits IR. The conversation then delves into the relevant equations and the concept of energy balance before discussing the potential increase in temperature of the black body if it absorbs more energy than it radiates.
  • #1
GM Jackson
4
0

Homework Statement


A black body absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation, including visible light which has wavelengths from 380nm to 750nm. IR radiation has wavelengths that are so long they are measured in microns. That suggests that visible light has a higher frequency than IR, and, higher energy. So when a black body absorbs visible light and emits IR, how does it achieve equilibrium?

Homework Equations


Ein = Eout (Energy in = Energy out)
E = hv (E = Energy; h = 6.63E-34 J-s; v = frequency in hertz)
v = C/l (C = 3.00E8 m/s; l = wavelength in meters)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm picturing in my mind the same amount of photons going in as going out, but this would imply more energy going in than going out. So what's up with the black body?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
GM Jackson said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm picturing in my mind the same amount of photons going in as going out, ..?

That's the problem. Far more low-energy photons are emitted, so the total in and out energy balance.
 
  • Like
Likes GM Jackson
  • #3
GM Jackson said:
I'm picturing in my mind the same amount of photons going in as going out, but this would imply more energy going in than going out. So what's up with the black body?
Regardless of the number of photons involved, suppose the black body is absorbing more energy than it's radiating. It's not in equilibrium with its surroundings. What happens to the temperature of the black body?
 
  • Like
Likes GM Jackson
  • #4
marcus said:
That's the problem. Far more low-energy photons are emitted, so the total in and out energy balance.
Thanks.
 
  • #5
vela said:
Regardless of the number of photons involved, suppose the black body is absorbing more energy than it's radiating. It's not in equilibrium with its surroundings. What happens to the temperature of the black body?
I heard it goes up. Thanks for the input.
 
  • #6
The way the question is worded implies that the blackbody isn't in equilibrium with its surroundings initially (otherwise it wouldn't have to do anything to achieve equilibrium), so it's not safe to assume the number of IR photons emitted is enough to maintain the energy balance. If you haven't already, you should consider what happens when the temperature of the blackbody goes up.
 
  • Like
Likes GM Jackson

1. What is a black body?

A black body is an idealized object that absorbs all radiation that falls on it and emits thermal radiation at all wavelengths. It is a theoretical concept used to explain the behavior of objects that absorb and emit radiation, such as stars and planets.

2. How does a black body emit energy?

A black body emits energy through thermal radiation, which is the emission of electromagnetic radiation due to the temperature of the object. As the black body absorbs energy, its temperature increases, causing it to emit thermal radiation at all wavelengths.

3. Why does a black body emit as much energy as it absorbs?

This is known as the principle of detailed balancing, which states that for a system in thermal equilibrium, the rate of absorption of energy must be equal to the rate of emission of energy. In other words, a black body emits as much energy as it absorbs in order to maintain a constant temperature.

4. How does the temperature of a black body affect its emission and absorption of energy?

The temperature of a black body directly affects the amount of energy it emits and absorbs. As the temperature increases, the black body will emit more energy at all wavelengths and absorb more energy as well. This is why hotter objects appear brighter and emit more radiation than cooler objects.

5. What is the significance of a black body emitting as much energy as it absorbs?

This principle is important in understanding the behavior of objects in thermal equilibrium, such as stars and planets. It also provides the basis for concepts such as the Stefan-Boltzmann law, which describes the relationship between the temperature of a black body and the amount of energy it emits. Moreover, it helps scientists to better understand the energy balance of our planet and the role of greenhouse gases in regulating its temperature.

Similar threads

How a solid body emits a lower frequency photon than absorbed
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
Understanding Perfectly Black Bodies
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Planck Emission Spectrum
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
23
Views
2K
Black body radiation, Planck's law, derivation
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
2
Views
6K
I Blackbody radiation and the cosmic microwave background
    • Classical Physics
Replies
29
Views
2K
Black body re-emission of incident radiation
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Trouble understanding the idea of a cavity radiator being a Black Body
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
How does radiation become heat?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
20
Views
9K
Does IR Radiation Have a Higher Energy Level Than UV Light for Warming Objects?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Infrared thermometry remote sensing
    • Optics
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top