Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Wien’s displacement law
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Blackbody radiation describes how ideal emitters radiate energy as a function of wavelength and temperature. Several fundamental laws describe different aspects of this emission.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Wien’s displacement law states λ_max * T = b, where b is Wien’s constant. This gives the simple inverse relationship and explains why hotter bodies radiate at shorter peak wavelengths (e.g., the Sun peaks in the visible, a hot stove in the infrared).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Apply to two temperatures to see the shift: doubling T halves λ_max, confirming the inverse proportionality.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing total emissive power (Stefan–Boltzmann) with the wavelength of maximum emission (Wien’s).
Final Answer:
Wien’s displacement law
Discussion & Comments