How does Quantum Physics solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?

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SUMMARY

The ultraviolet catastrophe, a problem in classical physics where blackbody radiation intensity approached infinity at high frequencies, is resolved through Max Planck's introduction of quantized energy packets, known as quanta. This concept fundamentally changed the understanding of electromagnetic radiation, demonstrating that energy is transferred in discrete amounts rather than continuously. Planck's work laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics, although it is important to note that he quantized action, not energy itself. For a deeper understanding, reviewing Planck's original 1901 paper is essential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of blackbody radiation and its implications in classical physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of quantization in physics
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and entropy
  • Awareness of the historical context of quantum mechanics development
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Max Planck's original 1901 paper on blackbody radiation
  • Explore the concept of quantization in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the relationship between entropy and energy quantization
  • Study the historical evolution of quantum theory post-Planck
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the historical development of scientific theories related to energy and radiation.

quebecois22
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Hi,
I understand how classical theory was wrong about blackbody radiation with the intensity reaching infinity as the frequency increased. However, I don't understand how the problem is solved with quantum physics. How does the fact that electromagnetic radiation be transferred as discrete packets of energy solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?

If someone could clear me up on the subject, it'd be really nice.

Thank you
 
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quebecois22 said:
Hi,
I understand how classical theory was wrong about blackbody radiation with the intensity reaching infinity as the frequency increased. However, I don't understand how the problem is solved with quantum physics. How does the fact that electromagnetic radiation be transferred as discrete packets of energy solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?

If someone could clear me up on the subject, it'd be really nice.

Thank you
The best is to read the original paper form Max Planck.
Just now, I can not more find it on the Web. Here is the best approximation :
http://web.archive.org/web/20080418...ocs/Chem-History/Planck-1901/Planck-1901.html

Here it is :
http://theochem.kuchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp/Ando/planck1901.pdf

You have written a common mistake : Never Planck quantized energy, but action.
Planck was not a bum...
His reasoning from entropy, is from a master, the master of his time.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
quebecois22 said:
Hi,
I understand how classical theory was wrong about blackbody radiation with the intensity reaching infinity as the frequency increased. However, I don't understand how the problem is solved with quantum physics. How does the fact that electromagnetic radiation be transferred as discrete packets of energy solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?

If someone could clear me up on the subject, it'd be really nice.

Thank you

Here is a more 'laymans' explanation. Hope it is not inaccurate.:smile:

http://spiff.rit.edu/classes/phys314/lectures/planck/planck.html

Quantum Mechanics didn't solve the problem, Planck did at a time when Q.M did not exist yet.
 
Last edited:

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