FIGURE 16-3
-If the absolute temperature of an object is doubled, 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 2.
B) increase by a factor of 4.
C) increase by a factor of 8.
D) increase by a factor of 16.
E) increase by a factor of 32.

Question

FIGURE 16-3 
-If the absolute temperature of an object is doubled, 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 2. 
B) increase by a factor of 4. 
C) increase by a factor of 8. 
D) increase by a factor of 16. 
E) increase by a factor of 32.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Stefan-Boltzmann law, the thermal power radiated per unit surface area of an object is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. Doubling the absolute temperature will result in the thermal power radiated per unit surface area increasing by a factor of 2^4, which is 16. Therefore, the correct answer is D, increase by a factor of 16.

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