Radiation - temperature - frequency

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between radiation frequency and temperature, particularly whether the frequency of radiation emitted from a star changes as it travels through areas of different temperatures. Participants explore analogies with water waves to clarify their points.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the frequency of radiation changes when it travels through areas of different temperatures.
  • Another participant asserts that the frequency does not change, suggesting that heat does not affect spacetime.
  • A participant introduces an analogy with water waves, noting that the frequency of water waves depends on the depth of the water and asks if heating the water would change the frequency.
  • In response, it is explained that while the speed of shallow water waves depends on depth, their frequency remains constant, leading to changes in wavelength instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial question regarding radiation frequency and temperature, as there are differing views on the analogy with water waves and the implications for radiation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of waves in different media and the nature of spacetime, which are not fully resolved. The analogy with water waves introduces complexity that may not directly apply to radiation.

member 342489
Hi.

Dunno if this makes much sense.

If radiation is emitted from a star with a certain frequency, does that frequency change, if that radiation travels through areas of different temperatures?
 
Science news on Phys.org
It does not.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: member 342489
Let me explain my confusion.

I'm pretty sure, that waves in water and waves in spacetime (radiation) should not be considered to be similar in behaviour. Anyway, I will try to use waterwave to explain my point.

I read somewhere, that the frequency of waves in water, among other things, depends on the depth of the water. If I have a tank of water and drop a stone in it, it will produce a wavepattern. If I then heated the water up, the water would grow in volume and the depht would increase. In that case, would the frequence of the waves not change. I know that spacetime is not water and your answer made me understand, that heat does not affect spacetime.

Thank your for trying to answer my silly questions :-)
 
Brian E said:
I read somewhere, that the frequency of waves in water, among other things, depends on the depth of the water. If I have a tank of water and drop a stone in it, it will produce a wavepattern. If I then heated the water up, the water would grow in volume and the depht would increase. In that case, would the frequence of the waves not change.
Yes, shallow water waves propagate with a speed that depends on the depth of the water. As they pass over a shallower area, they slow down. As they pass over a deeper area, they speed up. But this does not change their frequency. It changes their wavelength.

In steady state, the number of wave crests entering a region per unit time has to equal the number leaving. Otherwise, the region would either run out of wave crests to emit or would pile up an infinite number of them. Neither situation is possible.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: member 342489
Oh I see. Thank you very much for the answer :-)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K