Black Body Radiation: Why Objects Emit Different Wavelengths

In summary, an object emits radiation of different wavelengths for a given temperature because the thermal motions and other degrees of freedom occur at a wide variety of frequencies, resulting in energy being emitted at a variety of frequencies. This is known as "black body radiation" and can be further explained by researching the topic and asking more focused questions.
  • #1
arun.vak1103
2
0
why or how does an object emit radiation of different wavelength for a given temperature?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Google for "black body radiation", read what you find there, and if you have more specific questions or need help with some point, come back with a more focused questiojn - you'll get better answers faster that way.
 
  • #3
The doubt is, how can a body emit radiations of different wavelength, for a given temperature ?
 
  • #4
The thermal motions and other degrees of freedom occur at a wide variety of frequencies, and so energy is emitted at a variety of frequencies.
 
  • #5
arun.vak1103 said:
The doubt is, how can a body emit radiations of different wavelength, for a given temperature ?

Temperature is a sort of macroscopic average across a very large number of microscopic particles doing very different things. Think of the steady buzz of conversation you hear in a crowded room when many different people are having many different conversations in many different tones of voices.
 

1. What is black body radiation?

Black body radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object that is at a uniform temperature and in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings. This radiation is emitted at different wavelengths and intensities, depending on the temperature of the object.

2. Why do objects emit different wavelengths of black body radiation?

Objects emit different wavelengths of black body radiation because the wavelength of the radiation is inversely proportional to the temperature of the object. This means that as the temperature of an object increases, the wavelength of the emitted radiation decreases. Therefore, objects at different temperatures will emit radiation at different wavelengths.

3. How is black body radiation related to temperature?

Black body radiation is directly related to temperature. As the temperature of an object increases, the intensity of the emitted radiation increases and the peak wavelength of the radiation shifts to shorter wavelengths. This relationship is described by Planck's law, which states that the amount of radiation emitted at a certain wavelength is proportional to the temperature of the object.

4. What is the significance of black body radiation in astronomy?

Black body radiation is significant in astronomy because it allows us to determine the temperature of celestial bodies, such as stars. By analyzing the spectrum of the radiation emitted by a star, we can determine its temperature and other important properties. Black body radiation is also used to study the temperature and composition of other objects in the universe, such as planets and interstellar dust clouds.

5. Can black body radiation be observed in everyday life?

Yes, black body radiation is observed in everyday life. Any object that has a temperature above absolute zero emits black body radiation. For example, the heat emitted by a fire or the light emitted by an incandescent light bulb are both examples of black body radiation. In fact, the infrared radiation emitted by our own bodies is also a form of black body radiation.

Similar threads

Replies
101
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
852
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
474
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
935
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top