Lighting produces a maximum air temperature on the order of 9.4 x 10^3 K, wherea

Question

Lighting produces a maximum air temperature on the order of 9.4 x 10^3 K, whereas a nuclear explosion produces a temperature on the order of 1.1 x 10^7 K. Use Wien's displacement law to calculate the wavelength of the thermally produced photons radiated with greatest intensity by each of these sources. Select the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where you would expect each to radiate most strongly. lightning It radiates most strongly in the part of the spectrum. nuclear explosion It radiates most strongly in the part of the spectrum.

Explanation / Answer

Wien's displacement law is max = b / T,

where max is the most common wavelength emitted.
b = 2.898×103

a. max= 2.898×103 / 9.4×103 = 3 ×10-7 m
b. max = 2.898×103 / 1.1×107 = 2.6×10-10 m

a is 300 nm, in the upper infrared, and at the bottom end of the visible spectrum.

b is 2.6 Angstrom, which are gamma rays.

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