HELP Boltzmann law in terms of classical physics?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Stefan-Boltzmann law, which describes the energy radiated by a black body per unit area as a function of temperature. Participants are exploring whether this law can be explained solely through classical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the possibility of deriving the Stefan-Boltzmann law using classical physics, while others assert that it can be done. There is a discussion about the historical context and the implications of Ludwig Boltzmann's contributions to classical physics.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants presenting differing viewpoints on the derivation of the law. Some suggest that classical methods can be used, while others emphasize the necessity of quantum hypotheses for certain aspects, such as determining the Stefan-Boltzmann constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of classical versus quantum interpretations, and there is an acknowledgment that while the law can be discussed in classical terms, certain constants may require quantum considerations for accurate determination.

P-Jay1
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
The Stefan-Boltzmann law is as follows: The energy radiated by a black body radiater per second per unit area is directly proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature.

Equation: I = σT^4

Is it possible to explain this law by means of classical physics only? If so, please explain.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's your answer to the question ? Yes or no ?
 
I would say no since the Stefan-Boltzmann law is derived from Planck's law of radiation which was found by Planck using a quantum hypothesis. Or really a bit psuedo-quantum, he didn't realize it himself at the time that he had more or less revolutionised physics.
 
That's interesting, I was not aware that you could derive the Stefan-Boltzmann law classically, without the Planck law of radiation. Well then, the answer is as bigubau noted obivously yes to your question - the law can be derived classically.

However, it seems that a theoretical value of the Stefan-Boltzmann constant [tex]\sigma[/tex] can not be found without the aid of a quantum hypothesis (Planck's radiation law). It can only be measured.
 
Thanks guys
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K