A tungsten light bulb is glowing with blackbody radiation whose maximum occurs at a wavelength of 700.0 nm. What is the temperature of the tungsten element?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature of the tungsten element can be found using Wien's displacement law, which states that the product of the maximum wavelength of blackbody radiation ($\lambda_{max}$) and the temperature (T) is a constant. The law is given by $\lambda_{max} \times T = b$, where $b$ is Wien's displacement constant, approximately equal to $2.897 \times 10^{-3} m \cdot K$. Rearranging the formula to solve for T gives $T = \frac{b}{\lambda_{max}}$. Substituting $\lambda_{max} = 700.0 nm = 700.0 \times 10^{-9} m$ and $b = 2.897 \times 10^{-3} m \cdot K$, we get $T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{700.0 \times 10^{-9}} = 4142.857 K$, which rounds to 4140 K, making option B the correct answer.

A Tungsten Light Bulb Is Glowing with Blackbody Radiation Whose