Converting between λ and ν for Blackbody Radiation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion between wavelength (λ) and frequency (ν) in the context of blackbody radiation, specifically referencing the Rayleigh-Jeans Law. Participants explore the relationships between these quantities and their implications for measuring spectral radiance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the conversion between wavelength and frequency, expressing confusion over the relationship c = νλ.
  • There is a mention of the Rayleigh-Jeans Law and its limitations, particularly the ultraviolet catastrophe at short wavelengths.
  • A participant provides mathematical expressions relating the spectral radiance in terms of frequency and wavelength, indicating the derived relationships between Bν and Bλ.
  • Questions arise regarding the measurement of spectral radiance and whether different equipment is used for Bλ and Bν, suggesting that peak intensities occur at different wavelengths or frequencies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the conversion process and the implications of the Rayleigh-Jeans Law. There is no consensus on the best approach to measuring spectral radiance or the equipment used for different forms of measurement.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the conversion relationship and the assumptions underlying the Rayleigh-Jeans Law. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the definitions of spectral radiance in different contexts.

tade
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Forgive me for this stupid question, but how do I convert between

b57bebb5337f0de6333ec9bc85688c08.png


and

46a1efc581519117de92da6afb5a8e78.png


I tried c = νλ but that doesn't work. This is the Rayleigh Jeans Law by the way.
 
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tade said:
Forgive me for this stupid question, but how do I convert between

p?image=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fmath%2Fb%2F5%2F7%2Fb57bebb5337f0de6333ec9bc85688c08.png


and

p?image=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fmath%2F4%2F6%2Fa%2F46a1efc581519117de92da6afb5a8e78.png


I tried c = νλ but that doesn't work.
pl. give the full expression of the quoted equation and where these two are being used.
 
The Rayleigh–Jeans law agrees with experimental results at large wavelengths (low frequencies) but strongly disagrees at short wavelengths (high frequencies). This inconsistency between observations and the predictions of classical physics is commonly known as the ultraviolet catastrophe,

see the full expressions
associated Rayleigh–Jeans limits are given by

c0313ce746394b13ace2e1e668e6f176.png

or

22ed0ae7e400ebb5306a059fb4b69c1f.png

now you can see the approximations- actually they are not exact expressions
 
You only have to remember that these are probability distributions ##\mathrm{d} N/\mathrm{d} \nu## or ##\mathrm{d} N/\mathrm{d} \lambda##. Now you have ##\nu=c/\lambda##. This implies
$$B_{\nu}=\frac{\mathrm{d} N}{\mathrm{d} \nu}=\frac{\mathrm{d} N}{\mathrm{d} \lambda} \left|\frac{\mathrm{d} \lambda}{\mathrm{d} \nu}\right| = B_{\lambda} \frac{c}{\nu^2}.$$
Now with
$$B_{\lambda}=\frac{2 c k_B T}{\lambda^4}=\frac{2 k_B T \nu^4}{c^3} \; \Rightarrow\; B_{\nu}=\frac{2 k_B T \nu^2}{c^2},$$
and this was to be shown.
 
Thank you guys.

For
b57bebb5337f0de6333ec9bc85688c08.png


and

46a1efc581519117de92da6afb5a8e78.png


the peak intensities occur at different wavelengths or frequencies.How do scientists measure the spectral radiance of blackbodies? Are there TWO types of equipment, one for [tex]B_\lambda[/tex] and the other for [tex]B_\nu[/tex], such that each device yields a peak at a different frequency?
 

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