Compare two blackbody objects, one at 200 K and one at 400 K. How much larger is the flux from the 400 K object, compared to the flux from the 200 K object?
A) two times larger
B) four times larger
C) eight times larger
D) sixteen times larger
E) They have the same flux.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, the flux emitted by a blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature (in Kelvin). The ratio of the flux emitted by the 400 K object compared to the 200 K object is:

(400/200)^4 = 2^4 = 16

Therefore, the flux from the 400 K object is 16 times larger than the flux from the 200 K object. Hence, the correct choice is D.

Compare Two Blackbody Objects, One at 200 K and One