How to Calculate Black Body Peak
What is Black Body Peak?
Black body peak wavelength (Wien's law) shows where maximum thermal radiation occurs: λ_peak = 2.898×10⁻³ / T.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Input object temperature (Kelvin)
- 2Calculate peak wavelength
- 3Determine radiation type: infrared, visible, ultraviolet
Worked Examples
Input
T = 5778 K (Sun)
Result
λ ≈ 501 nm (green, why Sun looks white)
Eyes sensitive to whole spectrum
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Confusing peak with average wavelength
- ✕Forgetting Kelvin temperature required
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does hotter mean shorter wavelength?
Higher vibration frequency, shorter wavelength for same photons.
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