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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Wien's Displacement Law

The physical law stating that peak emission wavelength of a blackbody spectrum is inversely proportional to its absolute temperature.

Governing formula λ_max T = b ≈ 2.89777 × 10⁻³ m·K
SI unit m·K

In depth

As objects heat up, their radiation spectrum shifts toward shorter, higher-energy wavelengths (red hot → yellow hot → white hot → blue hot).

Examples in the real world

A star at 6000 K peaking in visible yellow light (~500 nm), whereas human skin at 310 K radiates peak infrared light (~9.3 µm).