The radiation emitted from a star has a maximum intensity at a wavelength of 500 nm. What is the temperature of this star? A) 6,000 K B) 5,000 K C) 1.5 × 10⁹ K D) 500 K E) 10,000 K

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelength at which the radiation from a star is most intense is given by Wien's displacement law:
λ_max = 2.898 × 10^-3 m K / T
where λ_max is the wavelength of maximum intensity and T is the temperature of the star in Kelvin.

Substituting the given values, we get:
500 nm = 5 × 10^-7 m = 2.898 × 10^-3 m K / T
Solving for T, we get:
T = 2.898 × 10^-3 m K / (5 × 10^-7 m) = 5,796 K

Therefore, the best choice is A) 6,000 K, as it is the closest rounded value to 5,796 K.

The Radiation Emitted from a Star Has a Maximum Intensity