How to calculate color temperature?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of color temperature in the IR/Microwave scale frequencies for room temperatures of 273K, 263K, and 253K. The speaker mentions that all Google results are related to visible light and display systems. They also mention using Wien's Law and the cosmic background temperature (2.7K) as a reference. The conversation ends with a suggestion to plot the spectrum of the source to eliminate microwave interference and determine the peak frequency for temperature calculation.
  • #1
jms4
37
2
I am looking for calculating color temperature in the IR/Microwave scale frequencies, for room temperature, 273K, 263K, 253K, all google is showing is about visible light and about display systems.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
I wonder how you want to calculate a temperature if you already have a temperature. For the first part of your question: Check out how they calculate the cosmic background (2.7 K) temperature from the microwave spectrum.
 
  • #3
I think Wien's Law is what you want here. Wiki has a page on it. If you are sure that the radiating object can be treated as a black body then all the formulae for visible light should work for lower frequency parts of the spectrum. The peak frequency of the radiation should yield the temperature. Have you the facility to plot the spectrum of your source around the peak? You may need to eliminate sources of microwave interference and a spectrum could reveal their presence.
 

1. What is color temperature?

Color temperature is a numerical value that represents the color of light emitted by a light source. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and indicates the color appearance of the light, ranging from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish).

2. How is color temperature calculated?

Color temperature is calculated by measuring the peak wavelength (in nanometers) of a light source and using a mathematical formula to convert it to degrees Kelvin. This formula takes into account the behavior of a theoretical black body, which is an object that absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation.

3. What factors affect color temperature?

The color temperature of a light source can be affected by a variety of factors, including the composition of the light source (such as the type of gas or filament), the temperature of the light source, and the surrounding environment (such as other light sources or objects that reflect or absorb light).

4. How can color temperature be used in lighting design?

Color temperature is an important consideration in lighting design, as it can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of a space. For example, warm color temperatures (around 2700K) are often used in residential settings to create a cozy and inviting feel, while cool color temperatures (around 5000K) are typically used in commercial or industrial settings to promote productivity and alertness.

5. Is color temperature the same as color rendering index (CRI)?

No, color temperature and CRI are two different measurements. While color temperature indicates the color appearance of a light source, CRI measures the ability of a light source to accurately render colors compared to a standard light source. Both are important factors to consider in lighting design, but they measure different aspects of light quality.

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
757
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
862
Replies
152
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
828
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top