Physics
Physics
Problem
Object A has a peak-emission wavelength of 550 nm. Object B has a peak-emission frequency of (take the speed of light to be ). Which option best describes the ratio of their temperatures? a) is about times . b) is about times . c) is about times . d) is about times .Intuitive explanation
This problem tests Wien's displacement law, which links an object's peak emission wavelength (or frequency) directly to its temperature. The key insight is that hotter objects emit their peak intensity at shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies—so you need to convert both objects to the same quantity (either wavelength or frequency), then use the inverse relationship: temperature is proportional to frequency and inversely proportional to wavelength. Once you find each temperature's ratio to a reference, you can compare them.
Intuitive explanation
This problem tests Wien's displacement law, which links an object's peak emission wavelength (or frequency) directly to its temperature. The key insight is that hotter objects emit their peak intensity at shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies—so you need to convert both objects to the same quantity (either wavelength or frequency), then use the inverse relationship: temperature is proportional to frequency and inversely proportional to wavelength. Once you find each temperature's ratio to a reference, you can compare them.