Lightning produces a maximum air temperature on the order of 9.0 103 K, whereas
ID: 1898395 • Letter: L
Question
Lightning produces a maximum air temperature on the order of 9.0 103 K, whereas a nuclear explosion produces a temperature on the order of 9.9 106 K. Use Wien's displacement law to calculate the wavelength of the thermally produced photons radiated with greatest intensity by each of these sources. Select the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where you would expect each to radiate most strongly.(a) lightning
?max nm
It radiates most strongly in the part of the spectrum.
(b) nuclear explosion
?max pm
It radiates most strongly in the part of the spectrum.
Explanation / Answer
a)
max = 2.898e-3/T = 2.898e-3/9e3 = 3.22e-7 = 322 nm
ultraviolet
b)
max = 2.898e-3/T = 2.898e-3/9.9e6 = 293 pm
X-RAY