A human body has a surface area of approximately . The normal body temperature is above the surrounding room temperature . Take the room temperature to be . For , the value of (where is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant). Which of the following options is/are correct?
Answers: C. Reducing the exposed surface area of the body (e.g. by curling up) allows humans to maintain the same body temperature while reducing the energy lost by radiation
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Written solution
Step 1: Identify the given parameters.
The given values for the human body and its surroundings are:
Step 2: Evaluate Statement (1) regarding the net rate of heat loss.
The net rate of heat loss by radiation is given by the Stefan-Boltzmann law:
Substitute into the equation:
Thus, Statement (1) is correct.
Step 3: Evaluate Statement (2) regarding the change in surrounding temperature.
The net power loss is:
Differentiating with respect to while keeping the body temperature constant:
For a small decrease in surrounding temperature , the increase in the rate of heat loss is:
Thus, Statement (2) is correct.
Step 4: Evaluate Statement (3) regarding the reduction of exposed surface area.
The net rate of heat loss is directly proportional to the exposed surface area:
Reducing the exposed surface area (such as by curling up) decreases the rate of heat loss. Thus, Statement (3) is correct.
Step 5: Evaluate Statement (4) regarding the peak wavelength shift.
According to Wien's Displacement Law:
As the body temperature increases, the peak wavelength shifts to shorter wavelengths. Thus, Statement (4) is incorrect.
Answer: Statements (1), (2), and (3) are correct.