Derivation of Rayleigh–Jeans law

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The discussion centers on the derivation of the Rayleigh-Jeans law, highlighting the relationship between quantized frequency and continuous emission spectra. Participants clarify that while frequency is quantized, the energy of photons can take on any value, leading to a continuous emission spectrum in condensed states. The derivation process often involves a theoretical box of side L, which normalizes wavelengths as submultiples of L, but this restriction vanishes as L approaches infinity. The confusion regarding the application of differential notation to quantized variables is also addressed.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly energy quantization
  • Familiarity with the Rayleigh-Jeans law and its derivation
  • Knowledge of photon behavior and emission spectra
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  • Study the derivation of the Planck radiation law for comparison with the Rayleigh-Jeans law
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jonathanpun
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I have read the derivation of the Rayleigh-Jeans law from:
http://www.cv.nrao.edu/course/astr534/BlackBodyRad.html

This derivation is quite similar to the derivation in my textbook.

My question is why the frequency/wavelength is quantized, but there still a d\nu or d\lambda. Not this "d" only apply to continuous variables?

And since the frequency is quantized, that means the emission spectrum is not continuous? But my textbook said "condensed state emits a continuous spectrum of radiation."
 
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It's the energy which is quantized, not the frequency. You can have a photon of any frequency. But then E = n hω

(Derivations of this and other formulas often work in a large box of side L for convenience, to help with the normalization. In a box of side L the wavelength must be a submultiple of L. Afterwards, however, you let L -> ∞, and this restriction disappears.)
 

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