Question:medium

Black bodies A and B radiate maximum energy with wavelength difference $4\mu \text{ m}$. The absolute temperature of body A is 3 times that of B. The wavelength at which body $B$ radiates maximum energy is

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Higher temperature implies shorter wavelength of peak emission.
Updated On: May 7, 2026
  • $4\mu \text{ m}$
  • $6\mu \text{ m}$
  • $2\mu \text{ m}$
  • $8\mu \text{ m}$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wien's Displacement Law states that the wavelength corresponding to maximum spectral emissive power of a black body is inversely proportional to its absolute temperature.
Therefore, a hotter body will emit its maximum energy at a shorter wavelength.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Wien's Displacement Law is expressed as: \[ \lambda_m \cdot T = \text{constant} (b) \] From this, we can relate two bodies A and B: \[ \lambda_A \cdot T_A = \lambda_B \cdot T_B \implies \frac{\lambda_A}{\lambda_B} = \frac{T_B}{T_A} \] Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
We are given that the absolute temperature of body A is 3 times that of B: \[ T_A = 3 T_B \] Using the relation from Wien's law: \[ \frac{\lambda_A}{\lambda_B} = \frac{T_B}{3 T_B} = \frac{1}{3} \] This means $\lambda_A = \frac{\lambda_B}{3}$.
Since $T_A>T_B$, body A must have a shorter peak wavelength ($\lambda_A<\lambda_B$).
The difference in their wavelengths is given as $4\mu \text{m}$. We set up the equation for the difference: \[ \lambda_B - \lambda_A = 4\mu \text{m} \] Substitute $\lambda_A = \frac{\lambda_B}{3}$ into the difference equation: \[ \lambda_B - \frac{\lambda_B}{3} = 4 \] \[ \frac{3\lambda_B - \lambda_B}{3} = 4 \] \[ \frac{2\lambda_B}{3} = 4 \] Solve for $\lambda_B$: \[ 2\lambda_B = 12 \] \[ \lambda_B = 6 \mu \text{m} \] So, the wavelength at which body B radiates maximum energy is $6\mu \text{m}$.
(For completeness, $\lambda_A = 6/3 = 2\mu \text{m}$, and the difference is indeed $6 - 2 = 4\mu \text{m}$).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The wavelength at which body $B$ radiates maximum energy is $6\mu \text{ m}$.
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