Solving for temperature using Wiens Law

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the temperature of a blackbody using Wien's Law, specifically the wavelength form. The peak wavelength given is 2x10^-6 m. The correct application of Wien's Law, λpeak = 2.898×10^-3 / T, yields a temperature of approximately 1449 Kelvin. The initial calculation using the incorrect equation resulted in a temperature of 1422 Kelvin, highlighting the importance of using the correct formula for accurate results.

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  • Understanding of Wien's Law and its applications in thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with blackbody radiation concepts.
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations.
  • Knowledge of physical constants such as Planck's constant (h), speed of light (c), and Boltzmann's constant (k).
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Students in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics and blackbody radiation, as well as educators looking for clear examples of Wien's Law applications.

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Homework Statement



A blackbody has a peak wavelength of 2x10^-6m , use the wavelength form of Wiens Law to calculate its temperature

Homework Equations


<br /> \lambda_{peak}=\frac{hc}{5kT} \\<br /> I_{\lambda}=\frac{2hc^2}{\lambda^5(e^{hc/ \lambda kT}-1)}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


I was not sure what equation to use but from the lecture booklet the two above are the only ones with temperature in them, the second one doesn't give me enough information as I don't know I_{\lambda}, however my answer just doesn't seem correct to me.

<br /> \lambda_{peak}=\frac{hc}{5kT} \\<br /> 2×10^{-6}=\frac{(6.626×10^{-34})(2.997×10^8)}{5(1.38×10^{-23})T} \\<br /> 2×10^{-6}=\frac{1.986×10^{-25}}{(6.98×10^{-23})T} \\<br /> T(6.98×10^{-23})(2×10^{-6})=1.986×10^{-25} \\<br /> T(1.396×10^{-28})=1.986×10^{-25} \\<br /> T=\frac{1.986×10^{-25}}{1.396×10^{-28}}=1422K<br />
 
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There is an equation that you are missing that you need to use, it turns this into a 1 step problem. Wien's Law relates the peak wavelength to the objects temperature like so:

λpeak = \frac{.29cmK}{T}

Is that equation not given?
 
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Legaldose said:
There is an equation that you are missing that you need to use, it turns this into a 1 step problem. Wien's Law relates the peak wavelength to the objects temperature like so:

λpeak = \frac{.29cmK}{T}

Is that equation not given?

Ah, I think so yeah but there is no K on the top though, it is given as

<br /> \lambda_{peak}=\frac{2.898×10^{-3}}{T}<br />

Using that I get

<br /> T=\frac{2.898×10^{-3}}{2×10^{-6}}= 1449 Kelvin\\<br />

So it is roughly the same, so the previous answer must have been correct :) Thanks.

EDIT: Wow I have made some silly input errors today :)
 
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Well the cmK was just supposed to be the units of the .29 :p
 
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Legaldose said:
Well the cmK was just supposed to be the units of the .29 :p

Ah right, sorry :)
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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