As a newly formed star continues to contract, its temperature increases, while the chemical nature of the gas does not change. Which of these could happen to the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation?
A) The peak wavelength will move toward shorter wavelengths (e.g., IR to visible).
B) The peak wavelength will not change because it does not depend on temperature.
C) The peak wavelength will remain constant because the chemical state of the gas does not change.
D) The peak wavelength will move toward longer wavelengths (e.g., visible to IR).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Wien's displacement law, as the temperature of a black body (like a star) increases, the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation shifts toward shorter wavelengths. This means that as the star heats up, the peak of its emitted spectrum will move from longer wavelengths (like infrared) to shorter wavelengths (like visible light).

As a Newly Formed Star Continues to Contract, Its Temperature