Free Blackbody Peak Wavelength Calculator

Find the peak emission wavelength of a blackbody using Wien's displacement law: lambda_max = b / T, where b = 2.898e-3 m K.

K

Peak Wavelength

0.000000501558 m

Peak Wavelength (nm)501.56 nm
Peak Frequency597,737,888,198,757.80 Hz

Peak Wavelength vs Temperature

Wien's Displacement Law

The wavelength at which a blackbody emits most intensely is inversely proportional to its temperature.

Formula

lambda_max = b / T

  • *b* = 2.898 x 10^-3 m K (Wien displacement constant)
  • *T* = temperature in kelvin
  • Hotter objects peak at shorter (bluer) wavelengths; cooler objects peak at longer (redder) wavelengths.

    Example Calculation

    The Sun's surface at 5778 K.

    1. 01lambda_max = b / T
    2. 02lambda_max = 2.898e-3 / 5778
    3. 03lambda_max = 5.015e-7 m = 501.5 nm
    4. 04This falls in the green part of the visible spectrum.

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