The intensity of the radiation from the sun has a maximum around 550 nm.The surface temperature of the Sun is
A)15939 K.
B)9543 K.
C)7856 K.
D)5269 K.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The surface temperature of the Sun can be estimated using Wien's displacement law, which states that the wavelength of the peak emission from a black body is inversely proportional to its temperature. Given that the Sun's radiation peaks at 550 nm, and using Wien's law ($\lambda_{max} = \frac{b}{T}$, where $b$ is Wien's displacement constant, approximately $2.898 \times 10^{-3} m \cdot K$), we can calculate the temperature of the Sun. Rearranging the formula to solve for $T$ gives us $T = \frac{b}{\lambda_{max}}$. Substituting the given values, we find that the temperature that corresponds to a peak wavelength of 550 nm is closest to 5269 K, which is option D.

The Intensity of the Radiation from the Sun Has a Maximum