Black Body? [ENDORSED]

[Daniel Rivas 3L]

I was just wondering if someone can explain what a black body is to me? Like is it just a thing that is extremely hot? And why is it called a black body if it is usually a glowing white object?

[Alex Kashou]

A black body is any object that can absorb any incoming light. It is emits thermal heat due to its high absorption rate. However, if it gets too hot it starts to emit light (glow) from increased amounts of thermal radiation. Thus, all you really need to know is that it is a black body that can absorb any incoming light unlike other objects (typically tested with metals).

[Ramya Lakkaraju 1B]

The term black body came about since these objects appear black in color at room temperature. They absorb all light and do not reflect any light.

[Madeleine Farrington 1B]

When you say that black bodies absorb all light, do you mean all light in the visible spectrum, or the entire electromagnetic spectrum?

[Liliana Rosales 1E]

I believe black bodies absorb the entire electromagnetic spectrum not just the visible spectrum.

[Mei Blundell_1J]

Fun fact related to this topic: the Sun is a really efficient black body.

[Sarai Viveros 1K]

Could you explain how the sun is a black body?

[Shimran Kumar 1C]

So as the second post under this topic explains, black bodies absorb all light in the electromagnetic spectrum and emit thermal radiation. However, when they get too hot, they emit light.

The sun follows this definition. The sun is very hot, so it emits light. As large stars cool down and die, they can become black holes. Black holes are known for absorbing everything. Thus, suns/stars are black bodies.

[Gabi Landes 1-H]

I believe black bodies absorb the entire electromagnetic spectrum not just the visible spectrum.

They do! A black body is an object that absorbs all radiation falling on it, at all wavelengths.

[Vienna Cimetta 1L]

Do you guys think we would be asked any questions on this topic? Or is it just another concept to know for future reference

[Mohamad Farhat 1L]

I had a similar question to this one. I was curious how when wearing a black shirt on a hot day absorbs more heat.

[Chem_Mod]

Please see Dr. Lavelle's class website for more information regarding test 2. He pointed this out during Friday's lecture to the class.
https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=30872

[vivianndo_1L]

Could someone please explain the relationship between the ultraviolet catastrophe and black bodies then?

[Jamie Reniva 1J]

Why is it called black body?