Black Body Radiation [Physics only]

3 min read · part of the full Exam Guide

Emission and absorption of infrared radiation

All bodies (objects), whatever their temperature, emit and absorb infrared radiation
The hotter the body, the more infrared radiation it radiates in a given time
A perfect black body is an object that absorbs all of the radiation incident on it. A black body does not reflect or transmit any radiation
Since a good absorber is also a good emitter, a perfect black body would be the best possible emitter

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In the full topic

Emission and absorption of infrared radiation
Temperature and the radiation emitted
(HT) Balancing absorption and emission
(HT) The temperature of the Earth

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