A stars wavelength is observed to be 200 nm. Calculate the approximate surface temperature of the star

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### Astronomy Education: Calculating Star Temperatures

**Question:**
A star's wavelength is observed to be 200 nm. Calculate the approximate surface temperature of the star.

**Explanation:**
To calculate the approximate surface temperature of a star based on its observed wavelength, we can use Wien's Displacement Law. Wien's Displacement Law is given by the formula:

\[ \lambda_{\text{max}} \times T = b \]

where:
- \(\lambda_{\text{max}}\) is the wavelength at which the star emits the most light (in meters).
- \(T\) is the surface temperature of the star (in Kelvin).
- \(b\) is Wien's displacement constant, approximately equal to \(2.897 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m} \cdot \text{K}\).

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Convert Wavelength to Meters:**
   Given \(\lambda_{\text{max}} = 200 \, \text{nm}\).
   Convert nanometers to meters: \( 200 \, \text{nm} = 200 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}\).

2. **Apply Wien's Displacement Law:**
   \[ T = \frac{b}{\lambda_{\text{max}}} \]

   Using \( b = 2.897 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m} \cdot \text{K} \) and \(\lambda_{\text{max}} = 200 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}\),

   \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{200 \times 10^{-9}} \]

3. **Calculate the Temperature:**
   \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{200 \times 10^{-9}} \]
   \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{2 \times 10^{-7}} \]
   \[ T = 1.4485 \times 10^{4} \, \text{K} \]

Therefore, the approximate surface temperature of the star is \( 14,485 \, \text{K} \).
Transcribed Image Text:### Astronomy Education: Calculating Star Temperatures **Question:** A star's wavelength is observed to be 200 nm. Calculate the approximate surface temperature of the star. **Explanation:** To calculate the approximate surface temperature of a star based on its observed wavelength, we can use Wien's Displacement Law. Wien's Displacement Law is given by the formula: \[ \lambda_{\text{max}} \times T = b \] where: - \(\lambda_{\text{max}}\) is the wavelength at which the star emits the most light (in meters). - \(T\) is the surface temperature of the star (in Kelvin). - \(b\) is Wien's displacement constant, approximately equal to \(2.897 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m} \cdot \text{K}\). **Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Convert Wavelength to Meters:** Given \(\lambda_{\text{max}} = 200 \, \text{nm}\). Convert nanometers to meters: \( 200 \, \text{nm} = 200 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}\). 2. **Apply Wien's Displacement Law:** \[ T = \frac{b}{\lambda_{\text{max}}} \] Using \( b = 2.897 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{m} \cdot \text{K} \) and \(\lambda_{\text{max}} = 200 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{m}\), \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{200 \times 10^{-9}} \] 3. **Calculate the Temperature:** \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{200 \times 10^{-9}} \] \[ T = \frac{2.897 \times 10^{-3}}{2 \times 10^{-7}} \] \[ T = 1.4485 \times 10^{4} \, \text{K} \] Therefore, the approximate surface temperature of the star is \( 14,485 \, \text{K} \).
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