What is Color Temperature?
Color temperature corresponds to the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that emits light of comparable hue. It is conventionally expressed in kelvin, a unit of absolute temperature. The range of color temperatures includes:
Below is a reference table of Color Temperature (CT) and CT correlation of some natural and artificial light sources in Kelvin, K
| Light sources | CT (Kelvin. K) |
|---|---|
| Flame of match stick | 1700 |
| Candle flame, sunset/sunrise | 1800 |
| Incandescent light bulb | 2700–3300 |
| Studio lamps, photofloods, etc. | 3200 |
| Carbon-arc, acetylene oxygen flame | 3700 |
| Moonlight, xenon arc lamp | 4100 |
| Horizon daylight | 5000 |
| Vertical daylight, electronic flash | 5500–6000 |
| Overcast daylight | 6500 |
| LCD or CRT screen | 6500–9300 |
Source: sciencedirect
How Does Color Temperature Work?
Incandescent light sources, such as tungsten lamps, emit light through heated material. As the material’s temperature rises, its color changes—red at lower temperatures, yellow, and eventually near-white at higher temperatures. However, incandescent light sources are not perfect black-body radiators, and their color depends on selective absorption and emission properties.
For non-incandescent sources like fluorescent lamps or LEDs, color temperature is described using Correlated Color Temperature (CCT). CCT approximates the temperature of a black-body radiator that would produce a similar hue, though it does not represent the spectral distribution of such light sources.
Applications of Color Temperature
Understanding and leveraging color temperature has widespread implications, including:
2. Interior and Exterior Lighting
3. Astrophysics and Manufacturing
In these technical fields, precise measurements of light color and temperature are crucial for analysis and quality control.
Challenges in Using CCT
While CCT is a useful metric, it has limitations:
For example, fluorescent lamps and LEDs, despite their low heat generation, can have CCTs similar to high-temperature radiators but display varying abilities to replicate natural daylight or render colors accurately.
Final Thoughts
Color temperature is more than a technical term; it is a vital factor shaping how we perceive and interact with environments. By understanding its nuances, we can make informed choices in design, photography, and other fields, creating spaces and visuals that resonate with desired aesthetics and functionality.
Source: VNbuilding
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Member VNBuilding, is a critical concept in lighting, photography, and other visual fields. It defines the hue of light emitted by a source and its perceived warmth or coolness. A basic understanding of this phenomenon helps us optimize lighting conditions for various applications, ensuring aesthetic and functional requirements are met.){kind=link}