Light and Heat Generation of Elements

In summary, there are models that can predict the proportions of light and heat energy generated from an element, taking into account factors such as voltage and material properties. These models can also predict the proportions of light and heat generated based on the intrinsic properties of the material. However, for most practical purposes, the material does not have a significant impact on the proportions of light and heat generated. The main factor is the temperature of the element, which determines the blackbody spectrum of its emission. Higher temperatures result in a higher proportion of visible light relative to heat.
  • #1
Legolaz
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Hi forum,
Is there anyway to quantify the proportions of light and heat energy generated from an element?
I mean, is there a model which we can use to predict material energy conversion proportions when a voltage potential is applied to it.? Further, is the model able to predict material conversion capacities given only the atomic #, negativity or group?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
What do you mean with "light and heat energy generated from an element"? If you just leave any element on a table, in general it does not produce light or heat. If some chemical or nuclear reactions happen then it might do that, the details depend on the element then. Sure, it is possible to calculate that.

I don't see the relation to a voltage (where?).

What do you mean with "material conversion capacities"?
 
  • #3
mfb said:
What do you mean with "light and heat energy generated from an element"? If you just leave any element on a table, in general it does not produce light or heat. If some chemical or nuclear reactions happen then it might do that, the details depend on the element then. Sure, it is possible to calculate that.

I don't see the relation to a voltage (where?).

What do you mean with "material conversion capacities"?

My apology for the lacking info, consider this simple presentation of what I meant (see figure)
simple%20circuit.gif

How much proportions of heat and light are being generated from the total dissipated energy of the load?
Is there a model which predicts how much proportions of heat is being generated and proportions light with relation to an intrinsic property of a material?

Law of Energy (Conservation of Energy) would help :

EE = LE+HE ; where EE - Electrical Energy, LE-Light Energy, HE-Heat Energy

Proportions are expressed simply as LE/EEx100%; HE/EEx100% vs. say conductivity or resistance of material (Classical and Stastical model perhaps)

The goal is to predict how much lumen and heat proportions on any material, one would either make as a heater or a light filament.
 
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  • #4
It mainly depends on the geometry of the wire in the light bulb and its resistance. The material does not matter much for typical light bulbs (as long as it does not melt, obviously). It does matter if you care about the lifetime, but that is a different question.
The emission is roughly a black-body spectrum, and this spectrum depends on temperature only. Higher temperatures give a higher fraction of visible light relative to heat (infrared light).
 
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  • #5
mfb said:
It mainly depends on the geometry of the wire in the light bulb and its resistance. The material does not matter much for typical light bulbs (as long as it does not melt, obviously). It does matter if you care about the lifetime, but that is a different question.
The emission is roughly a black-body spectrum, and this spectrum depends on temperature only. Higher temperatures give a higher fraction of visible light relative to heat (infrared light).

But different material lit different frequencies of spectrum at corresponding temperatures, right? Thus, there must be a material fit for its purpose, to give off light the most but less heat.
 
  • #6
Legolaz said:
But different material lit different frequencies of spectrum at corresponding temperatures, right?
See above: it is a good approximation of a blackbody spectrum which is independent of the material.
Legolaz said:
Thus, there must be a material fit for its purpose, to give off light the most but less heat.
Sure, there are small differences, but other considerations like the lifetime of the device are more important.
 
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1. What is the relationship between light and heat generation of elements?

The relationship between light and heat generation of elements is that they are both forms of energy. When an element is heated, it absorbs energy and emits light as a result. The amount of light and heat generated by an element depends on its atomic structure and the amount of energy it absorbs.

2. How do elements generate light and heat?

Elements generate light and heat through a process called excitation. When an element absorbs energy, its electrons move to higher energy levels. As these electrons return to their original energy levels, they release energy in the form of light and heat.

3. What factors affect the amount of light and heat generated by an element?

The amount of light and heat generated by an element is affected by its atomic structure, the amount of energy it absorbs, and the temperature of its surroundings. Elements with more electrons and higher energy levels tend to generate more light and heat.

4. Can elements generate light and heat at the same time?

Yes, elements can generate light and heat at the same time. In fact, most elements emit both light and heat when heated. The amount of light and heat emitted may vary depending on the conditions, but both forms of energy are typically produced simultaneously.

5. How is the light and heat generation of elements used in everyday life?

The light and heat generation of elements is used in a variety of everyday applications. For example, incandescent light bulbs use the heat generated by a filament to produce light. In cooking, heat generated by elements such as stovetops and ovens is used to cook food. In addition, the light and heat generated by elements are important in industries such as electronics and energy production.

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