Max Planck & UV Catastrophe: Explained in Detail

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter saiarun
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ultraviolet
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Max Planck addressed the ultraviolet catastrophe by introducing the concept of quantized energy levels, where energy is distributed in discrete units proportional to frequency (hf, 2hf, 3hf, etc.). This approach contrasts with classical physics, which predicts infinite energy at high frequencies. By treating energy quantum mechanically, Planck demonstrated that the probability of high-energy states decreases, thus preventing the expected energy from diverging to infinity. This foundational work led to the development of quantum theory, fundamentally altering our understanding of energy distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics principles
  • Understanding of Planck's constant (h)
  • Familiarity with frequency-energy relationships
  • Basic knowledge of classical physics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Planck's Law of Blackbody Radiation
  • Explore the implications of quantization in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the historical context of the ultraviolet catastrophe
  • Investigate the transition from classical to quantum physics
USEFUL FOR

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

saiarun
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
How did Max Planck tackled the Ultra Violet catastrope? In one of the book I have read, it said that he considered the assumption of equal distribution of energy. Can you please Explain in detail.
Thanking you in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you mean Planck considered the assumption of equal energy units for each allowed frequency. So if f is an allowed frequency, the allowed energies for that mode are hf, 2hf, 3hf, 4hf, etc. That way at higher frequencies, since the smallest unit of energy (besides zero) is pretty big, the probability of occupation of this high energy state is low, so the expected energy for that state is low. Basically you have to treat things quantum mechanically, and not classically. If for each frequency you allow any energy, as in E=.5*m*w^2*x^2+.5*m*v^2 for a classical oscillator, then classical physics says the expected energy will be kT (kT/2 for storage as potential energy and kT/2 as storage for kinetic energy). As you increase frequency, the wavelength goes down, and is better able to fit in a box, and there are an infinite number of high frequency modes, and if each had kT, then the expected energy, which is the sum of the expected energy of all the modes, would go to infinity, and that's catastrophic, for everytime you open your oven, you'll be...well done.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Graduate Historical clarification of the Planck formula of blackbody radiation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School What is the UV catastrophe and how does it challenge classical physics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School Ultraviolet Catastrophe & the Photoelectric Effect
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Blackbody Radiation: Explaining Ultraviolet Catastrophe & Planck's Solution
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Could Planck have used different energy-frequency relation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Black Bodies, the UV Catastrophe, and Plank's Quantum assertion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Experiment showing energy levels of light are quantized
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad What is the blackbody problem and the ultraviolet catastrophe?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
Graduate Question with respect to a Max Planck article
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Was the Ultraviolet Catastrophe a Real Problem or Just a Fake?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K