The Sun emits its maximum intensity of light at about 520 nm. According to Wien's Law, what would the temperature of a star that emits its maximum intensity at 1040 nm be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wien's Law states that the wavelength of the peak emission of a black body is inversely proportional to its temperature. The formula is $\lambda_{max} = \frac{b}{T}$, where $b$ is Wien's displacement constant ($2.898 \times 10^{-3} m \cdot K$), $\lambda_{max}$ is the wavelength at which the emission is maximum, and $T$ is the temperature in Kelvin. Given that the Sun (with a temperature of about 5800 K) emits maximum intensity at 520 nm, for a star emitting at 1040 nm (double the wavelength), its temperature would be half that of the Sun, making it 2900 K.

The Sun Emits Its Maximum Intensity of Light at About