3
QuizMultiple Choice

Nuclear Physics — Test

Question 3 • Physics

Compared with the peak wavelength given off by the Sun, what is the peak wavelength given off by a hotter star?

Answer
A
longer in wavelength and lower in energy
B
longer in wavelength and higher in energy
C
shorter in wavelength and higher in energy
D
shorter in wavelength and lower in energy

Explanation

A hotter star has a higher surface temperature, so its peak emission shifts to a shorter wavelength, according to Wien’s displacement law. Shorter-wavelength light has higher energy per photon, so the peak is at a shorter wavelength and higher energy. The correct choice is C.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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