Solving for temperature using Wiens Law

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Wien's Law to determine the temperature of a blackbody given its peak wavelength of 2x10^-6 m. Participants explore the relationship between wavelength and temperature in the context of thermal radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the wavelength form of Wien's Law but expresses uncertainty about which equation to apply. They also question the correctness of their calculated temperature. Other participants suggest an alternative form of Wien's Law that simplifies the calculation, prompting discussions about the equations involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering alternative equations that could lead to a more straightforward solution. There is recognition of potential input errors in calculations, and while some results appear similar, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of different forms of Wien's Law and potential confusion regarding the units and constants involved in the equations. Participants are navigating these discrepancies without resolving them fully.

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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 />
 
Last edited:
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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 :)
 
Last edited:
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 :)
 

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