Quantization to solve black body radiation

In summary, Planck's idea of quantization of energy in electromagnetic waves solved the problem of black body radiation by showing that the energy of a photon is quantized as E=nkh, where n is a discrete value and k is a constant. This was in contrast to the Rayleigh-Jeans formula which predicted infinite energy as frequency increases. Planck's equation showed a peak in energy followed by a drop to zero, which aligned with experimental results.
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seto6
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Homework Statement



how does Planck's idea of quantization of the energy found in electromagnetic waves solve the problem of black body radiation?

Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


this is what i have said correct me if I am wrong...

so plank said that photon has E=nkh..n=1,2,3...n
... where the formula by ratleigh-jeans predicted energy going to infinity as frequency increases...but when plank quantized the energy of photon he showed that there is a peak then after it drops to zero...

is there more to it or is this it?
 
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  • #2
i stated ... how rayleihs -jeans formula. did not hold experimentally .. and how planks equation did .. by assuming discreet values of mean energy
 

1. What is quantization?

Quantization is the process of discretizing continuous quantities into discrete values. In the context of black body radiation, it refers to the quantization of the energy levels of photons emitted by a black body.

2. Why is quantization necessary to solve black body radiation?

Quantization is necessary to solve black body radiation because classical physics predicts that a black body would continuously emit an infinite amount of energy at all wavelengths, which does not align with observations. By quantizing the energy levels of photons, we can accurately predict the amount of energy emitted by a black body at different wavelengths.

3. How does quantization solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?

The ultraviolet catastrophe is a paradox in classical physics where the predicted energy emitted by a black body at short wavelengths (such as ultraviolet) is infinitely large. By quantizing the energy levels of photons, the energy emitted at these short wavelengths is limited to discrete values, avoiding the ultraviolet catastrophe.

4. What is the Planck constant and its role in quantization?

The Planck constant (denoted as h) is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. In quantization of black body radiation, it is used to determine the discrete energy levels of photons emitted by a black body.

5. Are there any other applications of quantization besides black body radiation?

Yes, quantization is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is used in many other areas such as atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, and particle physics. It is also essential in the development of modern technologies such as transistors, lasers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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