Integrating a function from 0 to infinity correctly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on integrating the Planck function to derive the Stefan-Boltzmann law, specifically evaluating the integral B(T) = ∫ x³/(e^x - 1) dx from 0 to ∞. The integral evaluates to π⁴/15, which is derived using the relationship ∫_0^∞ (x^(4-1)/(e^x - 1)) dx = ζ(4)Γ(4). The user expressed confusion after using Wolfram Alpha, which provided a complex answer that did not align with their notes.

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ck99
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Homework Statement



I am trying to integrate the PLanck function to get the Stefan Boltzmann law. After factoring out constants, and substituting x = hv/kT I am left with the following integral:

B(T) = ∫ x3/(ex - 1) dx integrated from 0 to ∞

The next step in my notes is that the result of this integral is ∏4/15 and I have no idea how this is done!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried Wolfram with this and it gave such a complicated answer that I was even more confused - certainly it looked nothing like the one in the notes! I know asking for help shouldn't be my first resort, but have no idea how to begin tackling this I'm afraid.
 
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ck99 said:

Homework Statement



I am trying to integrate the PLanck function to get the Stefan Boltzmann law. After factoring out constants, and substituting x = hv/kT I am left with the following integral:

B(T) = ∫ x3/(ex - 1) dx integrated from 0 to ∞

The next step in my notes is that the result of this integral is ∏4/15 and I have no idea how this is done!

I tried Wolfram with this and it gave such a complicated answer that I was even more confused - certainly it looked nothing like the one in the notes! I know asking for help shouldn't be my first resort, but have no idea how to begin tackling this I'm afraid.

\int_0^{\infty} \frac{x^3 dx}{e^x-1} =\int_0^{\infty} \frac{x^{4-1} dx}{e^x-1} = \zeta (4)\Gamma (4) = \frac{\pi ^4}{90}\cdot 3! = \frac{\pi ^4}{15}

cosmology at Chile University? ?
 
Ah, thanks for the help but I think that derivation is beyond the scope of this course. (certainly it's beyond me!)
 

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