Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between temperature and peak wavelength in black-body radiation?.
- A.Higher temperatures result in longer peak wavelengths.
- B.Lower temperatures result in shorter peak wavelengths.
- C.Higher temperatures result in shorter peak wavelengths.
- D.Temperature has no effect on peak wavelength.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Higher temperatures result in shorter peak wavelengths.
Explanation
Why this works
Wien's law indicates that as the temperature of a black body increases, the peak wavelength of emitted radiation decreases, meaning hotter bodies emit radiation at shorter wavelengths.
Common mistake
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