Finding the temperature of light bulb filament?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the temperature of a light bulb filament using surface temperature measurements. The user conducted experiments with a thermocouple but lacks the necessary optical pyrometer for accurate filament temperature readings. It is established that the color of the filament can indicate its temperature, and resources such as color/temperature charts can aid in this determination. Additionally, the relationship between blackbody radiation and temperature is highlighted, emphasizing the use of photovoltaic cells for measuring emitted electromagnetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of non-ohmic materials and their resistance-temperature characteristics
  • Familiarity with thermocouples and their application in temperature measurement
  • Knowledge of blackbody radiation principles and Stefan-Boltzmann law
  • Experience with optical pyrometers and their function in temperature measurement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research color/temperature charts to correlate filament color with temperature
  • Study the principles of blackbody radiation and its mathematical implications
  • Explore the use of photovoltaic cells for measuring electromagnetic energy emissions
  • Investigate alternative methods for measuring filament temperature without an optical pyrometer
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting physics experiments, educators teaching thermodynamics, and researchers interested in non-ohmic materials and temperature measurement techniques.

teatime
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So for my physics independent study project. I am studying the resistance vs. temperature in non-ohmic material. I passed different currents through the light bulb and took the surface temperature with a thermocouple. How can I find the temperature of filament using the surface temperature measurement? My teacher seemed to think that would be easy, but I can't find it anywhere. Can anyone please help me? I do not want to start my project all over again and I don't know how I would even measure the temperature of the filament seeing as my school does not own a optical pyrometer.

Thanks.
 
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The filament temperature will be hard to get given only bulb surface temperature measurements. However, the color of the filament is a direct indication of the temperature. Devices called optical pyrometers are used to take this type of measurement. Do some research in that direction, perhaps you can find color/temperature charts which will be useful.
 
The intensity of the radiation from a blackbody is proportional to the forth power of the BB temperature. You can determine relative temperatures by a standard photovoltaic cell's measurements of the emitted electromagnetic energy.

Mine is a simplification of the process you seek. Integral knows better what to do in practice, however.
 

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