The pictures below show the wavelengths and intensities of electromagnetic radiations emitted by three stars, Star 1, Star 2, and Star 3.
Image shows 3 blackbody curve graphs. Star 1 peaks at a wavelength of 8500A, Star 2 peaks at 6000A and Star 3 peaks near 3500A.
Which of these statements is correct about the temperature of the three stars? (3 points)
Group of answer choices
Star 2 is hotter than Star 1.
Star 2 is hotter than Star 3.
Star 1 and Star 2 have the same temperature.
Star 1 and Star 3 have the same temperature.
Star 2 is hotter than Star 1 and Star 3.
To determine the temperature of the three stars based on the given information, we need to analyze their peak wavelengths. The temperature of a star is directly related to the wavelength at which it emits the most intense radiation.
Looking at the given information, Star 1 peaks at a wavelength of 8500A, Star 2 peaks at 6000A, and Star 3 peaks near 3500A.
We can conclude the following:
1. Star 2 is hotter than Star 1: As the wavelength of the peak emission decreases, the temperature increases in a blackbody curve. Since Star 2 peaks at a shorter wavelength than Star 1, it means that Star 2 is hotter than Star 1.
2. Star 2 is hotter than Star 3: Similarly, since Star 2 peaks at a higher temperature than Star 3, it means that Star 2 is hotter than Star 3.
3. Star 1 and Star 3 have the same temperature: Although Star 1 and Star 3 have different peak wavelengths, their temperatures cannot be determined solely based on the given information. So we cannot conclude that Star 1 and Star 3 have the same temperature.
Therefore, the correct statement is:
- Star 2 is hotter than Star 1.
- Star 2 is hotter than Star 3.