Color temperature is a measurement of the hue of light sources, expressed in Kelvin (K). It helps in determining the warmth or coolness of a light source, commonly used in photography, lighting design, and display calibration.
Formula
The formula to calculate color temperature is:
T = (2 × 10⁶) / λ
Where:
- T = Color temperature in Kelvin
- λ = Wavelength of light in nanometers (nm)
How to Use
- Enter the wavelength of the light source in nanometers.
- Click the “Calculate” button.
- The calculator will display the color temperature in Kelvin.
Example
If the wavelength of a light source is 500 nm, the calculation is:
T = (2 × 10⁶) / 500
T = 4000 K
This means the color temperature of the light source is 4000 Kelvin, which is in the warm white range.
FAQs
1. What is color temperature?
Color temperature describes the hue of a light source, measured in Kelvin (K).
2. What does a higher color temperature mean?
Higher color temperatures (5000K and above) indicate cooler, bluish-white light.
3. What does a lower color temperature mean?
Lower color temperatures (below 3000K) produce warmer, yellowish light.
4. How does wavelength affect color temperature?
Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher color temperatures, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower temperatures.
5. What is the color temperature of daylight?
Natural daylight ranges from 5000K to 6500K.
6. Why is color temperature important in photography?
It helps adjust white balance to ensure accurate color reproduction in photos.
7. How is color temperature used in lighting design?
It determines the ambiance of a space, from warm white (cozy) to cool white (energetic).
8. What is the wavelength of warm white light?
Warm white light typically has wavelengths around 580-600 nm.
9. What color temperature is best for reading?
A color temperature of around 4000K-5000K is ideal for reading.
10. How does color temperature affect sleep?
Blue light (high temperature) suppresses melatonin and can disrupt sleep, while warm light (low temperature) promotes relaxation.
11. What is the difference between color temperature and brightness?
Color temperature refers to the hue of light, while brightness refers to its intensity.
12. Is color temperature the same for all light sources?
No, different light sources (LED, fluorescent, incandescent) have different color temperatures.
13. How do I convert wavelength to color temperature?
Use the formula T = (2 × 10⁶) / λ to convert wavelength in nm to Kelvin.
14. What is the color temperature of candlelight?
Candlelight has a color temperature of around 1800K.
15. What is the typical color temperature of LED bulbs?
LEDs range from 2700K (warm white) to 6500K (daylight).
16. Does color temperature affect human perception?
Yes, cooler temperatures appear more vibrant and alert, while warmer temperatures feel more relaxing.
17. What is the relationship between blackbody radiation and color temperature?
Color temperature is based on the theoretical emission of a blackbody radiator at a given temperature.
18. Can color temperature be adjusted in screens?
Yes, many devices offer color temperature settings to reduce blue light exposure.
19. What is the color temperature of moonlight?
Moonlight has a color temperature of about 4100K.
20. How does atmospheric scattering affect color temperature?
Shorter wavelengths scatter more, making the sky appear blue and sunsets appear red.
Conclusion
Color temperature is an essential concept in lighting, photography, and display calibration. By using the Color Temperature Calculator, you can easily determine the temperature of any light source based on its wavelength, helping you make informed decisions in various applications.