Physics
Physics
Problem
For a certain blackbody the wavelength corresponding to maximum emission is 500 nm. By what factor must its absolute temperature be changed so that the peak wavelength becomes 400 nm?Intuitive explanation
This problem is about Wien's displacement law, which tells you that hotter objects emit their peak radiation at shorter wavelengths. The key insight is that wavelength and temperature are inversely proportional—if you want the peak to shift to a shorter wavelength, temperature must increase by the reciprocal factor. Set up the ratio of the two conditions and solve for how temperature scales.
Intuitive explanation
This problem is about Wien's displacement law, which tells you that hotter objects emit their peak radiation at shorter wavelengths. The key insight is that wavelength and temperature are inversely proportional—if you want the peak to shift to a shorter wavelength, temperature must increase by the reciprocal factor. Set up the ratio of the two conditions and solve for how temperature scales.