I Blackbody Radiation: Questions Answered on Causes & Oscillators

[Viona]

Hi every one
I have three simple questions: what causes Blackbody radiation? what does Planck meant by the oscillators? why the Blackbody radiation is continuous while the emission spectra of atoms (gases) is discrete?

I know that the discrete emission spectra of atoms was explained by Bohr's theory: the electrons in the atoms are in orbits with different energies and when an electron goes from higher energy orbit to a lower energy orbit it emits an electromagnetic radiation with specific frequency.

Classical theory tried to explain thermal radiation in condensed matter (continuous spectrum) by assuming that the thermal radiation originates from accelerated charged particles in the atoms near the surface of the object; those charged particles emit radiation much as small antennas do. Did they mean that these charged particles are the electrons? was this a correct idea?

Planck explained it by assuming that there are atomic oscillators and they are quantum oscillators . What are these atomic oscillators? they are the electrons inside the toms? they are atoms oscillating due to the thermal energy? or both of them?

Does the continuous spectrum from blackbody radiation is caused by electron transitions from one orbit to another inside the atom?

 

[Dr_Nate]

Have a look here first: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-happens-when-an-object-starts-to-glow.976539/

If you have further questions, go ahead and ask.

 

[Viona]

Have a look here first: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-happens-when-an-object-starts-to-glow.976539/

If you have further questions, go ahead and ask.

Thanks, It is clear now.