- #1
riz
So, if frequency(max) of light emitted from an object proportional to temperature in kelvin, how can sun have max frequency around the yellow region while blue flames are much less hot?
Understanding Black Body Radiation and the Sun's Color Temperature
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- Thread starter riz
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In summary, the frequency of light emitted from an object is proportional to its temperature in Kelvin. However, the color of a flame is determined by the type of chemical reactions occurring and is not a true black body radiator. This means that even though blue flames may appear hotter, they do not emit light at the same frequency as a black body radiator, such as the sun. The sun's maximum frequency is in the yellow region due to its high temperature, while blue flames, which are not black body radiators, can be less hot and still appear blue due to their chemical reactions.
- #2
Bandersnatch
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Do you mean blue flame like that produced by a Bunsen burner (or a gas stove)?
The reason is that flames in general are not black body radiators. The colour of a flame is determined by the type of chemical reactions occurring when the given type of fuel is burning.
Conversely, radiators which can be approximated as black bodies, e.g. stars, or hot pieces of metal, get bluer with higher temperature.
(0, B stars are blue, e.g. Rigel)
The reason is that flames in general are not black body radiators. The colour of a flame is determined by the type of chemical reactions occurring when the given type of fuel is burning.
Conversely, radiators which can be approximated as black bodies, e.g. stars, or hot pieces of metal, get bluer with higher temperature.
(0, B stars are blue, e.g. Rigel)
- #3
stefan r
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From Wikipedia:riz said:
Bunsen burner:
Black bodies:
1. What is black body radiation?
Black body radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object at a given temperature. This radiation follows a specific curve, known as the black body curve, which is determined by the object's temperature.
2. How does black body radiation relate to the Sun's color temperature?
The Sun's color temperature is determined by the peak wavelength of its black body radiation. As the Sun's temperature is around 5,800 Kelvin, its black body curve peaks in the visible light range, giving it its characteristic yellow-white color.
3. What factors affect the Sun's color temperature?
The Sun's color temperature is primarily determined by its surface temperature, which is influenced by its mass, composition, and age. Other factors, such as the Earth's atmosphere and the Sun's position in the sky, can also affect our perception of its color temperature.
4. How does understanding black body radiation help us understand the Sun's energy output?
By analyzing the black body curve of the Sun, we can determine the amount and distribution of energy it emits at different wavelengths. This information is crucial for understanding the Sun's energy output, which is essential for studying its effects on Earth and other planets.
5. Can black body radiation be observed in other objects besides the Sun?
Yes, black body radiation can be observed in any object with a temperature above absolute zero. All objects, including humans, emit some form of electromagnetic radiation, following a black body curve. However, the peak wavelength and intensity of this radiation vary depending on the object's temperature.
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