Physics

Physics

Problem

Two identical blackbody bulbs are observed. Bulb A’s intensity spectrum peaks at a wavelength of 450 nm, whereas Bulb B’s spectrum peaks at 675 nm. Which statement best describes the relative temperatures of the two bulbs? a) Bulb B is hotter than Bulb A because its peak occurs at the longer wavelength. b) Bulbs A and B have the same temperature because they both emit continuous blackbody spectra. c) Bulb A is hotter than Bulb B because its peak occurs at the shorter wavelength. d) The temperatures cannot be compared without knowing the bulbs’ surface areas.

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