An astronomer measures the spectrum of a star and finds that it emits the most intense light at 0.5 mm.What is its temperature?
A) 1,000 K
B) 3,000 K
C) 6,000 K
D) 9,000 K

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelength of maximum intensity for a star's spectrum is related to its temperature by Wien's law: λmax = b/T, where λmax is the wavelength of maximum intensity, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and b is a constant equal to about 2.9 mm·K.

Plugging in the given value of λmax = 0.5 mm, we have:

0.5 mm = (2.9 mm·K) / T

Solving for T, we get:

T = (2.9 mm·K) / 0.5 mm

T ≈ 5800 K

This is closest to option C) 6,000 K. Therefore, the answer is C) 6,000 K.

An Astronomer Measures the Spectrum of a Star and Finds