How is the Entropy of Blackbody Radiation Calculated?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of entropy for blackbody radiation, specifically in the context of terrestrial radiation at a temperature of 255 K. Participants are examining the relationship between emitted flux, energy density, and entropy as presented in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for entropy using the volume of the Earth, but their results do not align with the textbook. They question whether they are missing something or if the book contains an error. Other participants suggest calculating entropy per unit volume and clarify the units of entropy provided in the book.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the entropy calculation, particularly regarding the treatment of volume in the formula. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to calculate entropy per unit volume, which appears to clarify the original poster's confusion.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the appropriate volume to use in the calculations and the implications of the units of entropy as presented in the textbook. The original poster's calculations yield results that differ significantly from the book, leading to questions about the assumptions made in the problem.

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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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