Color temperature
Color Temperature
Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important implications in various fields such as photography, videography, lighting design, and astronomy. It is a way to describe the spectral properties of a light source and is measured in kelvins (K).
Definition[edit | edit source]
Color temperature is defined by the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of a color comparable to that of the light source. The concept is based on the principle that a black body emits light of different colors at different temperatures. As the temperature of the black body increases, the color of the emitted light shifts from red to yellow to white to blue.
Measurement[edit | edit source]
Color temperature is measured in kelvins (K), a unit of measure for absolute temperature. Lower color temperatures (around 2000K-3000K) are considered "warm" colors, such as the light from a candle or incandescent bulb, which appear more yellow or orange. Higher color temperatures (above 5000K) are considered "cool" colors, such as daylight or the light from a clear blue sky, which appear more blue.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Photography and Videography[edit | edit source]
In photography and videography, color temperature is crucial for achieving accurate color reproduction. Cameras can be adjusted to match the color temperature of the light source, a process known as white balance. This ensures that colors appear natural and consistent across different lighting conditions.
Lighting Design[edit | edit source]
In lighting design, color temperature is used to create different moods and atmospheres. Warm lighting is often used in residential settings to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool lighting is used in offices and commercial spaces to promote alertness and productivity.
Astronomy[edit | edit source]
In astronomy, color temperature is used to determine the characteristics of stars. The color of a star can indicate its temperature, age, and chemical composition. For example, red stars are cooler and older, while blue stars are hotter and younger.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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