Question

Why is a red laser pointer an example of a poor blackbody radiator?

A. It glows less brightly as electromagnetic radiation is released.
O B. It gives off a range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
C. It gives off only one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation,
D. It keeps the same temperature and gives off no electromagnetic
radiation

Answer 1

A red laser pointer is a poor blackbody radiator because it emits light at only one specific wavelength, unlike an ideal blackbody which emits across all wavelengths.

Step-by-step explanation:

A red laser pointer is an example of a poor blackbody radiator because it gives off only one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. An ideal blackbody would absorb and re-emit radiation across all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, a red laser pointer is designed to emit light at a specific wavelength, corresponding to its color, which is why option C is the correct answer to why a red laser pointer is a poor blackbody radiator.

The temperature of an object determines the wavelength at which the radiated energy is at its maximum. As the temperature of a blackbody radiator increases, its glow covers the entire visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.