Infrared Wavelength: Same Emission for All Materials?

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    Infrared Wavelength
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether different materials, such as granite, steel, and water, emit the same infrared wavelength when at the same temperature. It explores concepts related to thermal radiation and the characteristics of materials as emitters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if different materials emit the same infrared wavelength at the same temperature.
  • Another participant suggests that, generally, materials can be considered to emit similar radiation if treated as perfect black bodies, but notes that real materials are not perfect and exhibit differences due to emission and absorption lines.
  • A later reply introduces the idea that measurements may be affected by factors such as redshift and blueshift when viewed from a distance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the emission characteristics of materials, with some suggesting similarities under ideal conditions and others highlighting the complexities and variations in real-world scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of these differences.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that materials can be treated as black bodies and the potential effects of distance on observed emissions, which are not fully explored.

skikid
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Do different materials (i.e. granite, steel, water, etc.), all at the same temperature, emit the same infrared wavelength?
 
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skikid said:
Do different materials (i.e. granite, steel, water, etc.), all at the same temperature, emit the same infrared wavelength?
For the most part, yes. See 'kirchoff's[/PLAIN] law'

They will emit the same radiation if you think of them as perfect 'black bodies' (basically the simplest model of a thermal emitter). But materials are not perfect black bodies, and thus exhibit some differences in their spectra---largely from emission/absorption lines
 
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Thank You.
 
But they may not be observed [measured] as such when viewed from a distance, [redshift,blue shift] etc..
 

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