Figure 5-9: R I V U X G
Objects at Different Temperatures Have Different Colors and Brightnesses This sequence of photographs shows the changing appearance of a piece of iron as it is heated. As the temperature increases, the amount of energy radiated by the bar increases, and so it appears brighter. The apparent color of the bar also changes because, as the temperature increases, the dominant or peak wavelength of light emitted by the bar decreases. The stars shown have roughly the same temperatures as the bars above them.
Objects at Different Temperatures Have Different Colors and Brightnesses This sequence of photographs shows the changing appearance of a piece of iron as it is heated. As the temperature increases, the amount of energy radiated by the bar increases, and so it appears brighter. The apparent color of the bar also changes because, as the temperature increases, the dominant or peak wavelength of light emitted by the bar decreases. The stars shown have roughly the same temperatures as the bars above them.
(top row: © 1984 Richard Megna Fundamental Photographs; bottom row: NASA)