Proving the Total Energy Density of Planck-Body Law: λ to f Domain Conversion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the total energy density of the Planck-Body Law, specifically transitioning from the wavelength domain to the frequency domain. The integral for energy density is given by I_{λ}dλ = \frac{2\pi c^{2}h}{λ^{5}} \frac{1}{e^{hc/(λkT)} - 1}dλ, and the total energy density is expressed as I_{tot} = aT^{4}. Participants emphasize the importance of substituting λ = c/f and correctly determining the differential dλ, which is crucial for accurate conversion to the frequency domain.

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  • Understanding of Planck's Law and its mathematical formulation
  • Familiarity with concepts of wavelength and frequency conversion
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic principles related to temperature and energy density
  • Basic calculus skills for performing integrals and substitutions
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  • Learn about the implications of energy density in blackbody radiation
  • Explore the relationship between wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate the role of Boltzmann’s constant in thermodynamic equations
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Homework Statement


Starting from the Planck-Body Law

I_{λ}dλ = \frac{2\pi c^{2}h}{λ^{5}} \frac{1}{e^{hc/(λkT)} - 1}dλ

where λ is the wavelength, c is the speed of light in a vaccuum, T is the temperature, k is Boltzmann’s constant,
and h is Planck’s constant, prove that the total energy density over all wavelengths is given by

I_{tot} = aT^{4}

and express a in terms of pi,k,h,c

Homework Equations


λ = c/f


The Attempt at a Solution


Our teacher gives us a hint "think about whether it is better to do the integral in the wavelength or frequency domain" - which in this case means he wants us to switch to the frequency domain. I did try a bunch of things but I am just not sure if my first step is correct. To switch to the frequency domain, all I havr to do is plug in

λ = c/f
and
dλ = -c/f^{2}

correct? Or is this first step wrong
 
Last edited:
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dλ = -c/f2 ... there should be a df in there somewhere.

\renewcommand{\d}{\;\text{d}} I_\lambda \d\lambda = \frac{2\pi c^2 h}{\lambda^5}\frac{\d \lambda}{e^{hc/\lambda kT}-1} ... can you see why it may be easier to change to frequency domain?

Note: when a hint says to "think about" something, you usually get extra marks for showing that you actually thought about it instead of just taking the hint blindly. Sometimes a teacher will hive you a false "think about" in the hint and you are supposed to dismiss it with reasoning. Therefore: check that the hint makes sense.
 
Last edited:

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