How Do You Calculate Total Energy in Blackbody Radiation?

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SUMMARY

The total energy of blackbody radiation in a volume V at temperature T can be calculated using the integral of the function f^3 / (exp(hf/K_BT) - 1) from zero to infinity. The correct substitution is x = hf / K_bT, leading to dx = h / K_bT * df. The final result for the total energy is [8pi^5V K_b T] / [15c^3], with necessary corrections to the constants involved, specifically ensuring the correct exponents for pi and k_B. The integration process confirms that the total energy is proportional to the temperature raised to the fourth power, consistent with Stefan-Boltzmann law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of blackbody radiation principles
  • Familiarity with Planck's law and the constants h (Planck's constant) and k_B (Boltzmann constant)
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate exponential functions and substitutions in integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Planck's law for blackbody radiation
  • Learn about the Stefan-Boltzmann law and its applications
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, particularly for improper integrals
  • Investigate the physical significance of the constants h and k_B in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as educators and researchers interested in blackbody radiation and energy calculations.

Abdul.119
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Homework Statement


Show that the total energy of the radiation in a volume V at temperature T is
9t24g4.png

Hint:
30rl8k6.png


Homework Equations


2mgt5e8.png

21jbxb7.png


The Attempt at a Solution


The hint doesn't make sense to me, and those are the equation that I found to be perhaps relevant. Do I integrate the second equation? I'm not sure how to start this problem.
I think the hint is to help in integrating the second "relevant" equation, so integrating f^3 / exp(hf/K_BT)-1 from zero to infinity should equal pi^4/15?
 
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Abdul.119 said:

Homework Statement


Show that the total energy of the radiation in a volume V at temperature T is
9t24g4.png

Hint:
30rl8k6.png


Homework Equations


2mgt5e8.png

21jbxb7.png


The Attempt at a Solution


The hint doesn't make sense to me, and those are the equation that I found to be perhaps relevant. Do I integrate the second equation? I'm not sure how to start this problem.
I think the hint is to help in integrating the second "relevant" equation, so integrating f^3 / exp(hf/K_BT)-1 from zero to infinity should equal pi^4/15?
Yes, you need to integrate the equation for dU/df.

Make the substitution x = hf / KbT and use the Hint.
 
SteamKing said:
Yes, you need to integrate the equation for dU/df.

Make the substitution x = hf / KbT and use the Hint.

Then
x = hf / K_b T
dx = h / K_b T * df
df = K_b T / h * du
performing the integral then gives pi^4/15 * (K_b T / h)
then together with the rest of the constants it gives [8pi^5V K_b T] / [15c^3] , which doesn't look look like the final answer, did I do something wrong or are there additional steps?

Edit: Oops sorry there is a mistake in the first equation given in the problem. The pi has an exponent of 5 not 2, and the k_B has an exponent of 4 not 2.

But still I can't seem to obtain that equation, all I get is [8pi^5V K_b T] / [15c^3], the h is missing
 
Last edited:

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