Deriving Planck's Law: Solving for the Integral Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving Planck's Law, specifically the integral formula R(λ) = (2hc²/λ⁵)(1/(e^(hc/λkT) - 1)). A participant encountered difficulty with the integral I = ∫(x³/(e^x - 1))dx from 0 to ∞. Another user confirmed the correct evaluation of this integral as π⁴/15, providing a link to the relevant Wikipedia page for further reference. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate notation in mathematical expressions.

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  • Understanding of Planck's Law and black body radiation
  • Familiarity with integral calculus and improper integrals
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their properties
  • Basic concepts of thermodynamics, specifically temperature and energy
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Students of physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, as well as researchers and educators involved in teaching the principles of black body radiation and Planck's Law.

raul_l
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Homework Statement



I need to find the Planck's law: R(\lambda)=\frac{2hc^2}{\lambda^5}\frac{1}{e^{\frac{hc}{\lambda kT}}-1}

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I've done most of the derivation, but I got stuck with an integral: R(\lambda)=\frac{1}{4\pi^3 \hbar^3 c^2} \int^{\infty}_{0} {\frac{E^3}{\exp{{\frac{E}{kT}}}-1}}dE}

Basically, I need a formula for \int^{\infty}_{0} {\frac{x^x}{e^x-1}}dx}

Could anyone give me the formula or perhaps a link where I could find it myself or maybe just point me in the right direction somehow?

Thank you.
 
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Found it: \int^{\infty}_{0} {\frac{x^3}{e^x-1}}dx}=\frac{\pi^4}{15}

And evidently I don't really have to use it. :)

Thanks for your help.
 

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