AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Blackbody Radiation
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
State the equation for Wien’s law.
Wien's law is described by the equation λ_max * T = b, where λ_max is the peak wavelength, T is the absolute temperature, and b is a constant.
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State the equation for Wien’s law.
Wien's law is described by the equation λ_max * T = b, where λ_max is the peak wavelength, T is the absolute temperature, and b is a constant.
What relationship does the Stefan–Boltzmann law describe?
The Stefan–Boltzmann law describes how the rate of energy emission (power) from a blackbody is proportional to its surface area and the fourth power of its temperature.
If you double the absolute temperature of a blackbody, by what factor does its emitted power increase?
According to the Stefan–Boltzmann law, the emitted power is proportional to the temperature to the fourth power, so it would increase by a factor of 16 (2^4).
What is the sole factor that determines the continuous spectrum emitted by a blackbody?
The continuous spectrum emitted by a blackbody only depends on the body’s temperature.
What is blackbody radiation?
It is the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object due to its temperature.
According to Wien's law, what happens to the peak wavelength of emitted radiation as a blackbody gets hotter?
As a blackbody's temperature increases, its peak emitted wavelength (λ_max) decreases.
Two blackbodies are at the same temperature, but one has twice the surface area. How do their total power outputs compare?
Since emitted power is proportional to surface area according to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, the body with twice the surface area will emit twice the power.
According to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, what two properties determine a blackbody's total power output?
The rate at which energy is emitted (power) is proportional to the surface area of the body and its temperature raised to the fourth power.
What type of spectrum does a blackbody emit?
A blackbody emits a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
What is a blackbody?
A blackbody is an idealized model of matter that absorbs all radiation that falls on the body.
What relationship does Wien’s law describe?
Wien’s law describes how the peak wavelength emitted by a blackbody (λ_max) decreases as its temperature increases.