Computer, Ocean Optics Spectrometer, CFL light bulbs - 2700K, 5000K, 6500K, and Variacs.

2700k Bulb

5000k Bulb

6500k Bulb

Code Number: 6B40.30

Demo Title: Black Body Radiation

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Blackbodies

Area of Study: Optics & Astronomy

Equipment:

Computer, Ocean Optics Spectrometer, CFL light bulbs - 2700K, 5000K, 6500K, and Variacs.

Procedure:

See also: 6B40.30 in Optics.

Turn the lights on, let them warm up for a few seconds, and point the spectrometer sensor cable at the desired light. Set the spectrometer to a boxcar setting of about 100. A broad Black Body radiation curve can then be seen. The peak of that curve will shift to different wavelengths as you look at the different Kelvin rated bulbs.

6B40.30 - Black Body Radiation

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.