As a new star evolves from cool dust and gas to a hot star, the peak wavelength of its spectrum of electromagnetic radiation:
A)changes from the ultraviolet to the visible range.
B)changes from the infrared to the visible wavelengths.
C)increases from the visible to infrared wavelengths.
D)remains the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a new star evolves from cool dust and gas to a hot star, it releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Initially, the star emits mostly infrared radiation, which corresponds to the cooler temperatures. As the star gets hotter, however, the peak wavelength of its spectrum of radiation moves towards shorter wavelengths, until it reaches the visible range. Therefore, the peak wavelength changes from the infrared to the visible range.

As a New Star Evolves from Cool Dust and Gas