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Foundations of Physics

Candela

The SI base unit of luminous intensity in a given direction, defined by fixing the luminous efficacy of 540 THz monochromatic radiation to 683 lm/W.

Governing formula Iv = dΦv / dΩ
SI unit cd

In depth

Candela measures human-eye-weighted visual light intensity emitted per unit solid angle. A standard wax candle emits approximately 1 candela of luminous intensity in all directions.

Examples in the real world

A 100-Watt incandescent light bulb emits approximately 120 candelas of luminous intensity.