IB Physics HL B.1.14 Black-body radiation Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL B.1.14 by combining Stefan–Boltzmann ratios with radius, temperature, spectra and emissivity to analyse black-body radiation from stars.

Exam points

Combine Stefan–Boltzmann ratios with radius and temperature changes to compare black-body luminosity.
Interpret radiation spectra and emissivity data, linking peak behaviour and power to stellar models.

[Maximum number: 1]

Star A is a main sequence star.

The data for Star A and the Sun are given in a table.

Table for Question B.1.14—Black-body radiation question 1 — IB Physics HL

Show that the luminosity of Star A is about half that of the Sun.

$\frac{L_{A}}{L_{S}}=\left(\frac{0.9 R_{s}}{R_{s}}\right)^{2}\left(\frac{5200}{5800}\right)^{4}=0.52$

Must see full substitution OR answer to 2 (or more) significant figures.

Allow the reverse fraction, leading to 1.92.

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B.1.14—Black-body radiation question 1