Blackbody Spectrum 1
Blackbody Spectrum
Michael Luna
Dyersburg State Community College
Blackbody Spectrum 2
Introduction
In this lab report, I will be experimenting in the black body spectrum and the
various temperatures of objects such as a star and a light bulb.
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Procedures
a) The temperature of stars in the universe varies with the type of star and the age of the
star among other things. By looking at the shape of the spectrum of light emitted by a star, we
can tell something about its average surface temperature.
i) If we observe a star's spectrum and find that the peak power occurs at the border
between red and infrared light, what is the approximate surface temperature of the star?
(in degrees C)
Results:Using the Spectrum Simulation, when the temperature is 4040 Kelvin that peak
power is at the border between the red and the infrared. Converting this to degrees
Celsius: temperature in degrees C = temperature in Kelvin - 273.15 temperature of the
star = 4040 K - 273.15 = 3767 C
ii) If we observe a star's spectrum and find that the peak power occurs at the border
between blue and ultraviolet light, what is the surface temperature of the star? (in degrees
C) Results: Using the Spectrum Simulation, when the temperature is 7100 Kelvin that
peak power is at the border between the blue and the ultraviolet. Converting this to
degrees Celsius: temperature in degrees C = temperature in Kelvin - 273.15 temperature
of the star = 7100 K - 273.15 = 6827 C
b) Light bulbs operate at 2500 degrees C.
i)What is the wavelength at which the most power is emitted for a light bulb operating at 2500
C? Results: First we must convert this 2500 C into Kelvin.
temperature of bulb in Kelvin = temperature in degrees C + 273.15
temperature of bulb in Kelvin = 2500 C + 273.15 = 2773 Kelvin
Using the simulation we find the peak power is at 1050 nm (nanometers).
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ii) Explain why regular incandescent bulbs waste a lot of energy. Be sure to include your
reasoning.
Results: The spectrum of power vs. wavelength at 2500 C shows that the majority of the light
emitted is at wavelengths longer than the visible. All of the power (energy per second) that goes
into producing light that is not at visible wavelengths is wasted power or energy. Since only
about 12% of the energy goes into producing visible light, regular incandescent bulbs are very
inefficient.
Discussion
The energy transfer process most closely associated with a temperature difference
is called thermal conduction or simply conduction. In this process the transfer can be viewed on
an atomic scale as an exchange of kinetic energy between microscopic particles—molecules,
atoms, and electrons—with less energetic particles gaining energy as they collide with more
energetic particles. An inexpensive pot may have a metal handle with no surrounding insulation.
As the pot is warmed, the temperature of the metal handle increases, and the cook must hold it
with a cloth potholder to avoid being burned.
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Section 2:
1. A 2.7-kg copper block is given an initial speed of 4.0 m/s on a rough horizontal
surface. Because of friction, the block finally comes to rest.
(a) If the block absorbs 85% of its initial kinetic energy as internal energy, calculate its increase
in temperature.
Results: The kinetic energy is .5mv^2=
.5 x 2.3kg x 2m/s = 4.6J
85% of 4.6J = 3.91J, which is the heat gained.
Q = m c delta T, so delta T = Q/m c =
delta T = 3.91J / (2.3kg x 390) = .00436 Degrees C.
(b) What happens to the remaining energy?
Results:The rest of the heat is dissipated into air or absorbed by the surface.
2. A certain steel railroad rail is 13 yd in length and weighs 80.0 lb/yd. How much thermal
energy is required to increase the length of such a rail by 3.0 mm? Note: Assume the steel has the
same specific heat as iron.
Results: (3)(11.887)= (11x10^-6)∆T
Equals: 19.884 degrees
(28.1227)(13)(0.450)(19.884)= 3271.27 J
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