Radiation terminology: The thermal radiation emitted by an ideal blackbody is commonly referred to as what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Black radiation (blackbody radiation)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Precise terminology in heat transfer prevents confusion between different measurable quantities such as spectral distribution, total emissive power, and idealized emitters.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • An ideal blackbody absorbs all incident radiation and emits the maximum possible radiation at a given temperature.
  • Nomenclature in textbooks uses “blackbody radiation” for emission from a blackbody.


Concept / Approach:
The emission from an ideal black surface at temperature T is called blackbody radiation. While one might colloquially say “total radiation” for integrated emission across wavelengths, that phrase is not specific to a blackbody and can apply to any surface.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the emitter: a blackbody is the ideal emitter/absorber.Recognize the standard term: blackbody radiation (often shortened to black radiation).Hence the most accurate choice is “Black radiation (blackbody radiation)”.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consult definitions: Planck’s law and Stefan–Boltzmann law describe blackbody radiation; the term “total emissive power” refers to integrated emission over all wavelengths for any surface.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Full radiation / total radiation: ambiguous and not a standard technical label for blackbody emission.
  • All of these: incorrect because only the first is the accepted term of art.


Common Pitfalls:
Using “total radiation” to mean “maximum radiation”; maximum emission at a given T is a property of the blackbody, but the accepted name is blackbody radiation.



Final Answer:
Black radiation (blackbody radiation)

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