The average temperature of Mars is less than that of Earth. What would be the relative wavelengths of the peak emissions of the spectra from these planets?
A) The emission from the two planets would peak at the same wavelength, but the radiation from Mars would be less intense than that from Earth.
B) The wavelength of peak emission from Earth would be at a longer wavelength than that from Mars.
C) The wavelength of peak emission from Mars would be at a longer wavelength than that from Earth.
D) It is not possible to predict the outcome of this experiment from the information given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Wien's displacement law, the wavelength of peak emission is inversely proportional to the temperature of the emitting body. Since Mars has a lower average temperature than Earth, its peak emission would occur at a longer wavelength compared to Earth.

The Average Temperature of Mars Is Less Than That of Earth