Proxima Centauri, our Sun's nearest stellar neighbor, has a surface temperature of about 3300 K. At what wavelength does Proxima Centauri emit its most intense radiation?
A)about 200 nm
B)about 400 nm
C)about 600 nm
D)about 900 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Wien's Law, the wavelength of maximum intensity radiation emitted by a blackbody is inversely proportional to its temperature. Proxima Centauri has a surface temperature of 3300 K, so its most intense radiation would be emitted at a wavelength of approximately 28,209 nm/K (Wien's constant) divided by 3300 K, which equals 8.55 nm. However, this is in the ultraviolet range, which is not listed as an option. So, we need to look for the closest option in the visible range. The closest option is D, which is about 900 nm, closest to the red end of the visible spectrum.

Proxima Centauri, Our Sun's Nearest Stellar Neighbor, Has a Surface