Candlepower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ๏ธ
candlepower
[หkรฆndlหpaสษr ]
Definition
light measurement
Candlepower is a measure of luminous intensity, denoting the amount of visible light emitted by a light source in a particular direction. The term originated from the intensity of light emitted by a standardized candle, serving as a reference point for brightness. In terms of the International System of Units (SI), candlepower has largely been replaced by the candela, which is the base unit for luminous intensity. However, candlepower may still be used in specific applications concerning lighting and illumination. This measurement can be crucial in fields such as photography, stage design, and architecture.
Synonyms
brightness, light output, luminous intensity.
Examples of usage
- The flashlight has a candlepower of 1000.
- Decorative lamps often vary in candlepower.
- In stage lighting, the candlepower of each light is critical.
- The report measured the candlepower of streetlights.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Importance
- Before modern lighting standards, candlepower was crucial for measuring light output in homes and theaters.
- It served as a foundational concept leading to the development of the modern unit of light intensity called 'lumen.'
Science
- Candlepower is connected to human perception of light, as our eyes compare brightness with natural light sources.
- This measurement helps in designing lighting for various environments, influencing mood and visibility.
Pop Culture
- Throughout history, candles lit homes and gatherings, often representing warmth, celebration, or even ceremonial rituals.
- Many horror and mystery films use candlelight to create suspense and evoke emotions linked to darkness.
Technological Advances
- With the advent of electric lighting, candlepower fell out of everyday use but still exists in some technical fields.
- New lighting technologies have introduced new ways to measure light intensity, often replacing candlepower.
Origin of 'candlepower'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'candle,' from the Latin 'candela,' meaning 'light,' and 'power,' indicating strength.
- Candlepower was first defined in the 19th century as a unit of luminous intensity that refers to the light emitted by a candle in a specific direction.
The word 'candlepower' originates from the combination of 'candle' and 'power.' The term 'candle' itself comes from the Latin word 'candela,' which means 'a light or torch.' Historically, measurement of light intensity began with the use of candles as a standard, as their blue flame provided a reliable point of reference for brightness. The concept of 'power' in this context refers to the effectiveness or intensity of the light source. As the science of photometry evolved, 'candlepower' was utilized to quantify the intensity of light emitted by various sources, transitioning into more standardized units such as the 'candela' in the early 20th century. Despite the formal adoption of the SI unit, the term 'candlepower' continues to be used informally in discussions of lighting and optics, mainly within industries and practices that are traditional or that emphasize comparative brightness.