At What Temperature Does a Red Hot Surface Glow White Hot?

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In summary, the question asks for the approximate temperature at which a surface glows white hot, given that it already glows red hot at 500C. The suggested approach is to use Wien's Law, which relates the peak wavelength of a blackbody curve to its temperature. By shifting the peak towards the visible spectrum, the surface will appear white. This is similar to the situation for stars that appear white.
  • #1
rbnphlp
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Homework Statement



If a surface which glows red hot at 500C , calculate the approximte temperature at which it glows white hot, explaining your reasoning

Homework Equations


I have no idea .


The Attempt at a Solution



Must b something to do relating wavelength and temperature , like wein's law ..

Any ideas guys?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
That does seem like a rather vague problem statement, but they are just looking for an estimate. Think about the shape of the blackbody curve. At 500 C, only the "high-energy" end of the distribution has entered the "window" of the "visible" spectrum, so the surface appears dull red. Where might you shift the peak (in wavelength) so that it is roughly centered in that window? (That would give all of the visible wavelengths similar intensities within roughly a factor of 2 or 3.) About what temperature would Wien's Law say that occurs at?

Hint: this is the situation for stars that "look white".
 

1. What is the relationship between color and temperature?

The relationship between color and temperature is complex and depends on various factors such as the type of light source, the material of the object, and the human perception of color. Generally, warmer colors such as red, orange, and yellow are associated with higher temperatures, while cooler colors like blue, green, and purple are associated with lower temperatures.

2. How does color affect temperature perception?

Color can have a significant impact on our perception of temperature. For example, if two objects have the same temperature but different colors, we may perceive the object with a warmer color to be hotter than the one with a cooler color. This is because our brains associate certain colors with specific temperatures due to past experiences and cultural influences.

3. What is the color temperature of different light sources?

The color temperature of light sources is measured in Kelvin (K) and can range from 1000K (warm, reddish light) to 10000K (cool, bluish light). Some common examples of color temperatures include 2700K for incandescent bulbs, 5000K for daylight, and 6500K for overcast skies.

4. Can color temperature affect our mood?

Yes, color temperature can have a significant impact on our mood and emotions. Warm colors are often associated with feelings of warmth, energy, and happiness, while cool colors are associated with calmness, relaxation, and sadness. This is why interior designers and advertisers often use specific colors to evoke certain emotions in people.

5. How does color temperature impact the environment?

The color temperature of artificial light sources can affect the environment in several ways. For instance, high color temperature bulbs (5000K and above) can contribute to light pollution and disrupt the natural circadian rhythms of animals and plants. Additionally, different colors of light can also affect the growth and behavior of plants and animals in both positive and negative ways.

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