Rate of EM emission based on surface characteristics

  • #1
druscilla
3
0
Homework Statement
Given a scenario where there is a black painted surface at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and a polished aluminum plate at 20 degrees Celsius, could you determine which of these objects experiences a higher rate of emission of electromagnetic radiation per unit area?
Relevant Equations
None
I would think the black painted surface is
 
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  • #2
druscilla said:
I would think the black painted surface is
And, why do you think that ?
 
  • #3
Since dark matt surfaces are better emitters of em radiation because of higher emissivity
 
  • #4
You are correct but the fact that it is black to your eye speaks only to its emissivity/absorbance behavior for radiation in the visible spectrum. What is the peak black body emission for ~300K?
Also how are these objects being heated? They will not maintain a temperature difference unless differentially heated.
 
  • #5
druscilla said:
Since dark matt surfaces are better emitters of em radiation because of higher emissivity
Right, but the aluminium plate is hotter. So the question is, is the temperature difference enough to overcome the emissivity difference? How will you assess that?
hutchphd said:
Also how are these objects being heated? They will not maintain a temperature difference unless differentially heated.
I think we are supposed to assume those temperatures are maintained somehow.
 
  • #6
No other variables were stated in the question, so now I think the Al plate must be the answer given Stephan-Boltzmann's law
 
  • #7
druscilla said:
No other variables were stated in the question, so now I think the Al plate must be the answer given Stephan-Boltzmann's law
I see no reason to jump to the opposite conclusion.
If the emissivities were the same, what would the power ratio be?
What emissivity ratio would balance that?
 

1. What is the "rate of EM emission" based on surface characteristics?

The rate of electromagnetic (EM) emission based on surface characteristics refers to the speed at which electromagnetic waves are emitted from a surface, which is influenced by the physical properties of the surface such as its texture, composition, and temperature.

2. How does the surface texture affect the rate of EM emission?

The surface texture plays a significant role in the rate of EM emission. Rough surfaces with irregularities and bumps tend to emit EM waves at a slower rate compared to smooth surfaces. This is because the irregularities on the surface cause the EM waves to scatter and reflect in different directions, resulting in a longer emission time.

3. Does the composition of a surface affect the rate of EM emission?

Yes, the composition of a surface can affect the rate of EM emission. Different materials have different electrical properties, which can impact how quickly EM waves are emitted. For example, metals tend to have a higher rate of EM emission compared to non-metals due to their high electrical conductivity.

4. How does the temperature of a surface affect the rate of EM emission?

Temperature also plays a significant role in the rate of EM emission. As the temperature of a surface increases, the atoms and molecules within the material vibrate more vigorously, resulting in a higher rate of EM emission. This is why hot objects tend to emit more EM waves compared to cold objects.

5. Can the rate of EM emission be controlled by altering surface characteristics?

Yes, the rate of EM emission can be controlled by altering surface characteristics. For example, by changing the texture, composition, or temperature of a surface, we can manipulate the rate at which EM waves are emitted. This can have practical applications in fields such as optics, telecommunications, and energy harvesting.

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