FIGURE 16-3
-If the absolute temperature of an object is tripled, the thermal power radiated per unit surface area of this object will (assuming that its emissivity is not affected by the temperature change)
A) increase by a factor of 3.
B) increase by a factor of 9.
C) increase by a factor of 18.
D) increase by a factor of 27.
E) increase by a factor of 81.

Question

FIGURE 16-3 
-If the absolute temperature of an object is tripled, the thermal power radiated per unit surface area of this object will (assuming that its emissivity is not affected by the temperature change)
A) increase by a factor of 3. 
B) increase by a factor of 9. 
C) increase by a factor of 18. 
D) increase by a factor of 27. 
E) increase by a factor of 81.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thermal power radiated per unit surface area is proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature (Stefan-Boltzmann Law). Tripling the temperature increases the power by a factor of 3^4 = 81.

FIGURE 16-3 -If the Absolute Temperature of an Object Is Tripled, the Is