What is the Mechanism Behind the Emission of Thermal Radiation?

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SUMMARY

The emission of thermal radiation is fundamentally linked to the motion of atoms and their constituent charges. All objects with a temperature emit electromagnetic radiation due to the acceleration of charged particles during atomic collisions. This phenomenon is explained through principles such as Wien's displacement law and Planck's law. However, neutrons, which do not radiate electromagnetic energy but transfer energy through collisions, present a unique case in the discussion of thermal radiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation principles
  • Familiarity with Wien's displacement law
  • Knowledge of Planck's law
  • Basic concepts of atomic structure and particle interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivation of thermal radiation mechanisms
  • Explore the implications of Wien's displacement law in practical applications
  • Study Planck's law in detail, focusing on its applications in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the role of neutrons in energy transfer and their interactions with other particles
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of thermal radiation and atomic interactions.

jjschwartz1
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I'm trying to understand the origin of thermal radiation. All things with a temperature emit electromagnetic radiation.

Every discussion I've found starts with that as a premise and then goes on to Wien's displacement law and Planck's law, etc which I follow.

But *why* do all things radiate? I've seen some hints that atoms in motion are constantly colliding and therefore accelerating and therefore the component charges are accelerating and emitting electromagnetic radiation. But I haven't seen it worked out in detail or mathematically.

And if that's the case, do a bunch of neutrons at room temperature radiate? They must. What's the explanation for that?
 
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Neutrons don't radiated. They transfer energy by collision.
 

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