Spectral radiant exitance when given temperature

[Landshark]

Homework Statement

Calculate the spectral radiant exitance for a 10um black body at the following temperatures: -12.0°C, 0°C, 12°C, 1600 K, and 2500 K

Known:
wavelength = 10um
temperature = see above

Homework Equations

Planck's equation I think

The Attempt at a Solution

No idea. I can't figure out the equation (I am a major noob at this). The given equation is:

M^λ = C₁ / (λ⁵ [e^(C2/λT) - 1)

λ = wavelength in micrometres
T = temperature in Kelvin

C¹ and C² are supposed to be Planck's constants. What does the "e" mean?

 

[cepheid]

Homework Statement

Calculate the spectral radiant exitance for a 10um black body at the following temperatures: -12.0°C, 0°C, 12°C, 1600 K, and 2500 K

Known:
wavelength = 10um
temperature = see above

Homework Equations

Planck's equation I think

The Attempt at a Solution

No idea. I can't figure out the equation (I am a major noob at this). The given equation is:

M^λ = C₁ / (λ⁵ [e^(C2/λT) - 1)

λ = wavelength in micrometres
T = temperature in Kelvin

C¹ and C² are supposed to be Planck's constants. What does the "e" mean?

WOW, okay, you are missing some fundamental math background here. Have you had a course in calculus yet?

Try reading through these articles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_(mathematical_constant)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exponential_function

 

[Landshark]

Have you had a course in calculus yet?

Nope, lol. It's for a geography class.

I assume the e means 2.71828 then?

 

[cepheid]

Nope, lol. It's for a geography class.

I assume the e means 2.71828 then?

Yeah. Did you read those articles (or at least the intros for each one)? The Planck function includes an exponential function (which is e to the power of some variable).

 

[Landshark]

I read the intros, yes. I think I just need an example of this equation done for me. The teacher of my class didn't really give us one.