Can this be explained using statistical mechanics only?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the photon energy distribution within a closed cube containing 100 photons, each with an energy of 1 Joule. It is established that to accurately determine the energy distribution and interactions of photons with materials like mirrors and glass, quantum statistical mechanics is essential. The Planck distribution, which describes the energy distribution of photons in thermal equilibrium, cannot be derived using statistical mechanics alone. Therefore, both quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics are necessary for a complete understanding of photon behavior in this scenario.

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  • Understanding of photon energy and distribution
  • Familiarity with Planck's law
  • Knowledge of quantum statistical mechanics
  • Basic concepts of thermal equilibrium
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  • Study the derivation of Planck's law in quantum statistical mechanics
  • Explore the principles of photon reflection and refraction
  • Investigate the role of thermal equilibrium in photon systems
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Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and students studying statistical mechanics who are interested in the behavior of photons and energy distribution in closed systems.

Christian Grey
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I want to find photon energy distribution, let's say in a closed cube box,there are 100 photons(suppose 1 photon contains 1 Joule),and there's a mirror on left side and then there's a glass in between and the right side is completely black. I want to find photon energy distribution(like how much energy is at specific point inside the box) inside this box? And do we need quantum mechanics along with statistical mechanics to explain photon energy distribution,like to find how many photons will be reflected or refracted due to mirror and glass or this can be explained using statistical mechanics only?
 
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In thermal equilibrium, the distribution of photon energies will be given by Planck's law

To derive the Planck distribution you need quantum statistical mechanics.
 
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