Exploring the Blackbody Spectrum

Open the simulation on Blackbody Spectrum by clicking the link.

A “blackbody” is a term used to describe the light given off by an

object that only gives off emitted light, in other words it doesn’t reflect
light. Of course in order for such an object to emit light it must get hot.
In this lab you are going to observe the nature of light given off by hot
objects and determine if there is a relationship between an object’s
temperature and the light emitted.

Between the graph and the thermometer, click the box that says
“Labels.” This will help guide you through understanding the radiation
types emitted by each object.

1. Move the thermometer to the light bulb setting. Based on the

graph, does the light bulb emit visible light? How can you tell?

Yes Because a light bulb emits visible light.

2. Does the light bulb produce X-rays? How can you tell?

No because it dips ad goes to 0 it wll not make it to X-Rays.

3. In the spectrum made by the light bulb, which wavelength is

most intense and how would you classify it?

The wavelength that is the most intense is 0.962, And i will

classify it in infrared.

4. Based on the shape of the graph would you expect the light bulb
to emit radio waves? Use evidence from the graph to support
your response.
Yes it would. The marker passes through visible light spectrum,
not only that it is giving up more red light so appearing red
color light due to its most intense wavelength.

5. Click the camera icon to save the graph. Then, move the
thermometer to the Sun. Note: there is a key that shows you the
temperature of each line on the graph.
6. Based on the graph for the Sun, which types of radiation does the
Sun emit? How can you tell?

The sun emits UltraViolet, Visible Light and Infared. I can tell
because on the the graph the peak is at visible but it also hits
Infrared and Ultraviolet.

7. Compare the graphs of the light bulb and the Sun. What
observations can you make?
Both almost emit photons all over the UV/Visible/InfraRed spectrum.

8. Click the camera icon again to save the graph. Then, move the
thermometer to the setting for Sirius A.

9. Based on the graph, which types of radiation does Sirius A emit?

Sirius A emits Ultraviolet Rays.

10. Compare the graphs of all three objects. What observations

can you make?

All three Spread over the UV/Vsible/INfrared Spectrum.

11. Now you will explore the relationship between peak

wavelength and temperature. To help you get the values needed,
click the box titled “graph values” above “labels.” Fill out the
table for each of the three objects.

Object Temperature Peak Object Color

Wavelength (star at the top of
the graph)

Light bulb 3050k 0.950 White/Clear

Sun 5800k 0.500 Blue-Ish Green

Sirius A 10000k 0.290 Blue

12. Color of visible light is related to wavelength. What do you

observe about the color of an object and its temperature?
 If an object is more hot, it has more energy. More energy means
more frequency and the light will therefore be more towards the
blue end. And the earth scatters sunlight while the sun emits it.
Blue flame is hotter than red flame.

13. This simulation is related to Wien’s Displacement Law. A

graphical representation is given below. Based on observations
from this simulation and the graph below, what do you believe
Wien’s Law states?

The wavelength of peak emission is inversely proportional to

the temperature of the emitting object.