Blackbody Radiation - Peak wavelength

[teme92]

Homework Statement

The Planck blackbody spectrum is given by

u(ω,t)=\frac{ħω^3}{π^2c^3(e^{βħω}-1)}

Show that the peak of the Planck spectrum for a blackbody at a temperature T occurs at the wavelength

λ_{max}T=0.29

where T is in Kelvin and λ_max is in cm.

Homework Equations

\frac{d(ω,T)}{dω}=0

The Attempt at a Solution

So using the equation above I get down to:

(3-βħω)(e^{βħω})-3=0

This is a transcendental equation. I said:

x=βħω

I've tried using the bisection method to solve but my answer doesn't match up with what it should as from the Wien Displacement Law it should be 0.29 for λ in cm. If anyone could help explain the solving for x, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Charles Link]

This one is somewhat complicated by the fact that you first need to convert the Planck function to a wavelength spectral distribution before you find the maximum in the wavelength spectral distribution (density) function. You get a different answer if you try to work the problem (finding the maximum) with the distribution (density) function in frequency space.

 

[teme92]

If its converted to the wavelength I got.

x=\frac{hc}{λkT}

5(e^x-1)=xe^x

Which is a similar equation to solve. Where would I go from here?

 

[Charles Link]

$e^{-x}=1-x/5$. Numeric solution with x not equal to zero. x=4.95 approximately.

 

[teme92]

I don't understand how you solved for x. I know normally with an exponential, a natural log would be involved.

 

[Charles Link]

$e^{-x}$ is going to be nearly zero. On a first iteration, $x=5$. Taylor series can get you about 2 or 3 decimal places in one or two iterations. Otherwise iterate $x=5(1-e^{-x} )$ without any Taylor series. That's probably much quicker.

 

[Charles Link]

Additional comment: You already did the hardest part. Using iterative method (see post #6), you can start with $x=5$ on the right side and I think you get $x=4.95$ on the left. Take this 4.95 and insert it into the right side, and I think you get close to 4 decimal place accuracy for your answer. This is the number you need to write out Wien's law with extreme precision. ($h$ ,$c$, and $k_b$ are already known. Plug it in and you should have the right answer.)