Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781337553292
Author: Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 39, Problem 1P

(a)

To determine

The order of magnitude of the wavelength of the thermally produced photons in lightning and thunder.

(a)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1P

The order of magnitude of the wavelength of the thermally produced photons in lightning is 107m and for thunder is 1010m.

Explanation of Solution

Write the expression for Wein’s displacement law.

    λmaxT=2.898×103mK                                                                                   (I)

Here, λmax is the maximum wavelength and T is the temperature.

Rewrite equation (I) to find the order of the wavelength.

    λmax=2.898×103mKT                                                                                  (II)

Conclusion:

Substitute 104K for T in equation (II) to find the order of the wavelength in case of lightning.

    λmax=2.898×103mK104K=2.898×107m107m

Substitute 107K for T in equation (II) to find the order of the wavelength in case of thunder.

    λmax=2.898×103mK107K=2.898×1010m1010m

Thus, the order of magnitude of the wavelength of the thermally produced photons in lightning is 107m and for thunder is 1010m.

(b)

To determine

The region in the spectrum where the lightning and thunder will radiate more strongly.

(b)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1P

The lightning radiate more strongly in the ultraviolet region whereas the thunder radiate more strongly in the x-ray and the gamma ray region.

Explanation of Solution

Lightning have the wavelength in the order 107m. This falls in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum.

Thunder have the wavelength in the order 1010m. This falls in the x-rays and gamma rays region of the spectrum.

Conclusion:

Thus, the lightning radiate more strongly in the ultraviolet region whereas the thunder radiate more strongly in the x-ray and the gamma ray region.

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