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PRACTICE · MEMBERSIntermediate · Single correct

PRACTICE / Thermal radiation

A smaller but hotter emitter

Blackbody B has half the radius of spherical blackbody A. Its wavelength-spectrum peak is at half the peak wavelength of A.

Find the ratio of B’s total emitted power to A’s.

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • Radius B / radius A = 1/2
  • Peak wavelength B / peak wavelength A = 1/2
  • Compare total emitted powers

Both spheres are ideal blackbodies. Compare emitted power, not net exchange with surroundings. Use wavelength-based spectral peaks.

  1. A88
  2. B11
  3. C44
  4. D1616

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