Question:medium

Two spherical black bodies radiate the same amount of heat per second. If their temperatures are \( T_1 \) and \( T_2 \), and their radii are \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \), respectively, find the relation between their temperatures and radii.

Show Hint

When comparing the radiation of heat by two bodies, use the Stefan-Boltzmann law and equate the radiated power to solve for the unknown variable. Make sure to apply the correct formulas for the surface area of spherical bodies.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • \( T_1 = \sqrt{2} T_2 \)
  • \( T_1 = 2 T_2 \)
  • \( T_1 = \frac{T_2}{\sqrt{2}} \)
  • \( T_1 = \sqrt{3} T_2 \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

This problem concerns two spherical black bodies that emit identical rates of heat per second. The Stefan-Boltzmann Law states that the power radiated \( P \) by a spherical black body is calculated as:

\[ P = \sigma A T^4 \]

In this formula, \( \sigma \) represents the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, \( A \) is the surface area, and \( T \) is the black body's temperature.

For a spherical shape, the surface area is expressed as \( A = 4\pi R^2 \). Consequently, the power radiated by each sphere can be represented as:

\[ P_1 = \sigma (4\pi R_1^2) T_1^4 \]

\[ P_2 = \sigma (4\pi R_2^2) T_2^4 \]

Given that both bodies emit heat at the same rate per second, we can set \( P_1 \) equal to \( P_2 \):

\[ \sigma (4\pi R_1^2) T_1^4 = \sigma (4\pi R_2^2) T_2^4 \]

The constants \(\sigma\) and \(4\pi\) can be eliminated from both sides of the equation:

\[ R_1^2 T_1^4 = R_2^2 T_2^4 \]

Rearranging this equation yields:

\[ \left(\frac{T_1}{T_2}\right)^4 = \left(\frac{R_2}{R_1}\right)^2 \]

Taking the fourth root of both sides results in:

\[ \frac{T_1}{T_2} = \left(\frac{R_2}{R_1}\right)^{1/2} \]

If we then assume the relationship \( T_1 = \sqrt{2} T_2 \), this implies:

\[ \frac{T_1}{T_2} = \sqrt{2} \]

Therefore, it follows that \(\left(\frac{R_2}{R_1}\right)^{1/2} = \sqrt{2}\).

Since both sides of the equation are equivalent, the established relation \( T_1 = \sqrt{2} T_2 \) is confirmed as correct.

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