Convert between Intensity as f'n of wavelength and intencity as f'n of frequency

In summary, to find the value of β in the equation Bλ(T) = β Bν(T) / λ^2, where Bλ(T) is in units Watt/m^2/μm and Bν(T) is in units Jy (= 10^-26 Watt/m^2/Hz), we can use the relationship Bν(T) = Bλ(T) * c / λ^2 and solve for β by simplifying the equation and substituting the given units and values. The final answer is β = 3 * 10^14 * λ^6, where λ is in units of meters.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Bλ(T) = β Bν(T) / λ2
v = frequency
λ = wavelength

find β , if Bλ(T) is in units Watt/m2/μm while Bν(T) is in units Jy (= 10−26 Watt/m2/Hz)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that first of all Bλ(T) = Bν(T) * |dv/dλ| = Bv(T) * c / λ^2
so at least one part of Beta should be c

Do i multiple Bv(T) Times 10^26 * 10^-6 to account for the different units?

so that β = c * 10^20?
Or is this wrong?
 
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  • #2


Hello, thank you for your question. Your approach is correct, but there are a few minor errors in your calculation. Let me guide you through it step by step:

1. First, let's rewrite the equation using the given units:

Bλ(T) = β Bν(T) / λ^2
where Bλ(T) is in units Watt/m^2/μm and Bν(T) is in units Jy (= 10^-26 Watt/m^2/Hz).

2. Next, let's use the given information to express Bν(T) in terms of Bλ(T):

Bν(T) = Bλ(T) * |dλ/dv| = Bλ(T) * c / λ^2

Note that you have a small typo in your attempt, where you wrote "dν/dλ" instead of "dλ/dν". Also, you should use the speed of light in meters, not in Jy.

3. Now, we can substitute this expression into the original equation:

Bλ(T) = β * (Bλ(T) * c / λ^2) / λ^2

4. Simplify the equation by dividing both sides by Bλ(T) and multiply by λ^4:

λ^4 = β * c / λ^2

5. Finally, solve for β:

β = λ^6 * c

Note that since λ is in units of μm, you should convert it to meters before plugging it into the equation. Also, make sure to use the correct value for the speed of light in meters (not Jy).

Therefore, the final answer is:

β = (λ * 10^-6)^6 * 3 * 10^8 = 3 * 10^14 * λ^6

I hope this helps. Good luck with your calculations!
 
  • #3


Your attempted solution is on the right track. To convert between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency, you can use the following equation:

Bλ(T) = Bν(T) * |dν/dλ| = Bν(T) * c/λ^2

Where c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength. To find β, you can use the fact that Bλ(T) is in units of Watt/m2/μm and Bν(T) is in units of Jy (= 10^-26 Watt/m2/Hz).

So, first multiply Bν(T) by 10^26 to convert it to units of Watt/m2/μm:

Bν(T) * 10^26 = Bν(T) * 10^26 * c/λ^2

Next, you can use the fact that 1 Jy = 10^-26 Watt/m2/Hz, so 1 Watt/m2/μm = 10^26 Jy:

Bν(T) * 10^26 * c/λ^2 = Bν(T) * 10^26 * c/λ^2 * 10^-26

This simplifies to:

Bν(T) * c/λ^2 = Bν(T) * 10^-26

Finally, you can rearrange the equation to solve for β:

β = Bν(T) * c/λ^2 * 10^-26

So, your final answer for β would be:

β = Bν(T) * c/λ^2 * 10^-26

This shows that β is dependent on both Bν(T) and c, and that multiplying Bν(T) by c/λ^2 and then by 10^-26 will give you the value of β in the appropriate units.
 

1. What is the difference between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency?

The main difference between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency is the independent variable. Intensity as a function of wavelength refers to the amount of light energy per unit area per unit time at different wavelengths, while intensity as a function of frequency refers to the amount of light energy per unit area per unit time at different frequencies.

2. How are intensity and wavelength related?

Intensity and wavelength are inversely related. This means that as the wavelength increases, the intensity decreases, and vice versa. This can be seen in the inverse relationship between the two equations: I = 1/λ and λ = 1/I, where I represents intensity and λ represents wavelength.

3. What is the formula for converting between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency?

The formula for converting between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency is I(λ) = I(ν) x λ^2/c^2, where I(λ) represents intensity as a function of wavelength, I(ν) represents intensity as a function of frequency, λ represents wavelength, and c represents the speed of light.

4. Why is it important to convert between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency?

It is important to convert between intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency because different scientific experiments and calculations may require different units. Converting between the two can help scientists accurately compare and analyze data from different sources.

5. Can intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency be measured simultaneously?

Yes, intensity as a function of wavelength and intensity as a function of frequency can be measured simultaneously using specialized instruments such as spectrometers. These instruments can measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths and frequencies, allowing for both types of measurements to be taken at the same time.

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