How is the Entropy of Blackbody Radiation Calculated?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the calculation of entropy for blackbody radiation, specifically using the formula S=(4/3) aT^3V. The user initially struggles with the volume (V) used in their calculations, applying the Earth's volume but not matching the book's results. Another participant clarifies that the book's entropy value is given per unit volume, suggesting the user should divide their result by the volume of the Earth. This leads to the realization that the correct approach is to calculate entropy per volume, aligning with the book's provided value of approximately 1.7x10^-8 J K^-1 m^-3. The conversation concludes with the user expressing gratitude for the clarification.
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Homework Statement



The following is from a book:

"Terrestrial radiation, T=255 K. Emitted flux ≈ 240 W m-2. Energy density for cavity radiation ≈ 3x10-6 J m-3. Entropy for cavity radiation ≈ 1.7x10-8 J K-1 m-3."

I can't understand how they have calculated the Entropy.

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I can't understand when calculating the entropy using S=\frac{4}{3} aT^3V, what value they were using for "V"? V has to be the volume of the blackbody and we are treating Earth as one. So I used the volume of Earth, however my calculations do not match the book.

From Kirchhoff’s Law aλ = ελ. And

Flux \ = \ \frac{ac}{4} T^4 = \sigma T^4 \implies a = 7.56 \times 10^{-16}

S= (4/3)(7.56 \times 10^{-16})(255)^3(1.083206 \times 10^{21}) = 1.8105 \times 10^{13}

The results are very different. I was wondering if I'm missing something here or the book is wrong? :confused:

Any help is appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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I think you should calculate it for unit volume means calculate s/v.I think that's all and moreover have you seen the unit of entropy which is given to you
 
andrien said:
I think you should calculate it for unit volume means calculate s/v.I think that's all and moreover have you seen the unit of entropy which is given to you

What do you mean? The formula clearly say that I must multiply things by "V", not divide by it. If I divide I get 1.5430e-29 which is wrong.
 
I mean divide the answer you are getting by 1.083206*10^21.(1.8105*10^13)/(1.083206*10^21)=1.7*10^-8j k-1m-3.this is because the answer of book is per unit volume.
 
Thank you, I see what you mean now... they were after the entropy per volume (J m-3). Thanks! :)
 
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