Light scattering and thermal emission of a body

In summary, the conversation discusses the emission pattern of a green snooker ball at a certain temperature, and whether there is a relationship between its absorption spectrum and thermal emission spectrum. The participants also consider the possibility of two different snooker balls with the same green paint exhibiting the same emission spectrum. It is noted that our perception of green may vary and that further reading on electrodynamics and light-matter interaction may provide more information.
  • #1
DaTario
1,039
35
hi All,

We know from QM that black bodies at temperature T emits light in a well stabilished patern.
Now what if the body has color? Which is the emission patern of a green snooker ball for example, at temperature T?

When scattering white light we see this ball green because it absorbs everything but this range of frequencies near the green. Is there any universal relationship between the absorption spectrum and this thermal emission spectrum?

Merry Xmas,

Datario
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Both spectra are the same. If you heat a ball which reflects most green light, it will emit less green light than a black body.
 
  • #3
So is the spectrum like the figure attatched? If so, would you have some reference to recomend?

Best wishes,

DaTario
 

Attachments

  • espectro de corpo verde.jpg
    espectro de corpo verde.jpg
    7.3 KB · Views: 402
  • #4
It seems reasonable to think that two snooker balls, one made of iron and the other made of coper, but both painted with green tincture will exhibt the same emission spetrum.

It is correct?

Best wishes

DaTario
 
  • #5
Our eyes are not spectrometers, there are many ways we can perceive light as green. That spectrum would be a possibility, at least in theory.
Books about electrodynamics and the interaction of light with matter should cover this somewhere.
 

1. What is light scattering and thermal emission of a body?

Light scattering is the phenomenon where light is deflected or redirected by particles or structures in a medium, such as air or water. Thermal emission is the process by which a body emits electromagnetic radiation due to its temperature. Both of these processes play important roles in how we perceive and study light in the world around us.

2. How does light scattering affect the color of the sky?

Light scattering is responsible for the blue color of the sky. The molecules in Earth's atmosphere scatter sunlight in all directions, but blue light is scattered more than other colors due to its shorter wavelength. This causes the blue light to reach our eyes from all directions, giving the sky its blue appearance.

3. What factors influence the amount of light scattering in a medium?

The amount of light scattering in a medium depends on the size, shape, and composition of the particles or structures in the medium. The wavelength of the light and the angle at which it enters the medium also play a role.

4. How is thermal emission related to an object's temperature?

Thermal emission is directly related to an object's temperature. As the temperature of an object increases, so does the amount of thermal radiation it emits. This is why objects that are hotter, such as the sun or a flame, appear brighter than cooler objects, such as a candle or a lightbulb.

5. How do scientists use light scattering and thermal emission in their research?

Light scattering and thermal emission are important tools in many scientific fields, including astronomy, atmospheric science, and material science. They can be used to study the composition, structure, and temperature of objects, as well as to understand their interactions with light. For example, scientists use light scattering to analyze the chemical makeup of distant stars and use thermal emission to study the properties of different materials under varying conditions.

Similar threads

I Planck Emission Spectrum
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
23
Views
2K
I How do emissivity and absorptivity affect thermal imaging results?"
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
317
Thermal Emission and Scattering (Mie or Rayleigh)
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
I The CMB has a thermal black body spectrum
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
18
Views
1K
Black body re-emission of incident radiation
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Thermal radiation and light pump
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
884
I Difference between Scattering and Emission of Photons
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
25
Views
11K
I Do you think emissivity of air makes sense?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
16
Views
2K
I Formation of emission lines and other topics
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
877
I Why is the emissivity of metals low?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
17
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top