Exam-style question
Try this first
How does temperature affect the peak wavelength of black-body radiation?.
- A.Higher temperatures result in longer peak wavelengths.
- B.Higher temperatures result in shorter peak wavelengths.
- C.Temperature has no effect on peak wavelength.
- D.Peak wavelength is independent of the temperature.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Higher temperatures result in shorter peak wavelengths.
Explanation
Why this works
According to Wien's law, the peak wavelength (λ_max) of black-body radiation is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature (T) of the body. The formula is λ_max = b/T, where b is Wien's displacement constant.
As temperature increases, the peak wavelength decreases, indicating that hotter objects emit radiation at shorter wavelengths.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.