If we measure the spectrum of radiation coming from different clouds in Jupiter's atmosphere, and we find that a cloud that appears white in visible light emits the largest number of photons at a wavelength of 3 *10 ^- ⁵ m, while a cloud that appears brown in visible light emits the largest number of photons at a wavelength of 1.9*10 ^- ⁵ m, how do the temperatures of the clouds compare?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Wien's Law, the wavelength of the peak emission of radiation is inversely proportional to the temperature in Kelvin. Therefore, we can set up the following equation:

T_white / T_brown = λ_brown / λ_white
T_white / T_brown = (1.9 x 10^-6 m) / (3 x 10^-6 m)
T_white / T_brown = 0.633

Thus, T_white = 0.633 x T_brown. Therefore, the brown cloud is approximately 1.6 times hotter than the white cloud. Therefore, the correct answer is choice B.

If We Measure the Spectrum of Radiation Coming from Different