Proving Expanding Black Body Problem: A Question

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In summary: The final equation would be (1/16)*the original equation? And the T in the final equation would be (T/2)? (Is that correct?)
  • #1
zdream8
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I was wondering how to prove the problem about an expanding black body.
There is a black body at a given temperature. All lengths are expanded by a factor of 2. Then it should still be a black body, but at a lower temperature.
I understand why this should happen, but I was wondering if anyone could show me how the proof works.
I found the equation for energy density

I(\lambda,T) =\frac{2 hc^2}{\lambda^5}\frac{1}{ e^{\frac{hc}{\lambda kT}}-1}
.
(sorry, I just copied it and that looks bad, but it's easy to find online)

but I wasn't really sure what to do with it. The wavelengths are obviously going to increase and the photon density is going to go down by appropriate factors...I'm just not sure how it all fits together.
Thanks. :)
 
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  • #2
When one says, expand, does one infer work. Only if a hot body expands and exerts a force over a distance, i.e. does work, would it cool.

If the blackbody simply expands, without doing work, it remains at temperature, but the heat flux per unit surface area decreases, i.e. the number of photons per unit area decreases.
 
  • #3
This was brought up in context of the expanding universe, I forgot to mention.
And like I said, I realize that it makes sense, I just need help manipulating the equation and mathematically representing the concepts to do a semi-formal proof.
Thanks. :)
 
  • #4
zdream8 said:
This was brought up in context of the expanding universe, I forgot to mention.

Just to get a bit more definite, since it about an expanding universe, suppose we picture something concrete like a volume V of space with a lot of photons in it, with blackbody temp T

so now suppose distances double

the new volume is 8V

and it contains the same number of photons as before but their wavelengths have all doubled so they represent only half as much energy

so the new energy density is 1/16 of the old.

that means the temperature is now T/2 (use the energy density form of the fourthpower Stefan Boltzmann Law)

IS THIS WHAT YOU HAD IN MIND? because if so it is very easy to write down the equations that go along with it
 
  • #5
Yes, that's basically what I'm talking about, thanks. But in writing the final equation, then the energy density would equal (1/16)*the original equation? And the T in the final equation would be (T/2)? (Is that correct?) Would that be all the changes? This is where I get confused...because then shouldn't the lambdas be 2*lambda? But this makes the end factor different. Could you show me how the equations work? Sorry, it seems really simple, but I'm stuck on something.
And also, based on it being in the same form, is it implied that it remains a black body? I understand physically that nothing in expansion alone would change any proportions, so it would remain a black body, but I don't know if that's "good enough" with the math.
Thanks again.
 
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1. How do you define the expanding black body problem?

The expanding black body problem refers to the theoretical concept in physics where a black body, which is an object that absorbs all incoming electromagnetic radiation, is expanding at a constant rate. This presents a challenge in terms of proving the expansion and understanding its implications.

2. What is the significance of proving the expanding black body problem?

Proving the expanding black body problem would have significant implications in understanding the expansion of the universe and the behavior of matter and energy. It could also provide insights into the origins of the universe and the potential fate of the universe.

3. How can the expanding black body problem be proven?

There are several approaches that can be used to prove the expanding black body problem, including mathematical models, observational evidence, and experimental data. These methods would involve studying the behavior of black bodies and their expansion over time.

4. What challenges are faced in proving the expanding black body problem?

One of the main challenges in proving the expanding black body problem is the lack of direct observational evidence. The expansion of black bodies is difficult to observe due to the vast distances and time scales involved. Additionally, there may be other factors at play that could affect the expansion of black bodies.

5. What are the potential implications of disproving the expanding black body problem?

If the expanding black body problem is disproven, it could lead to a major shift in our understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. It may also require a reevaluation of existing theories and models related to the expansion of the universe, such as the Big Bang theory.

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