Wien's displacement law's proof

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the proof of Wien's displacement law, specifically addressing the discrepancies in the values of the Wien's constant obtained through different methods. The user initially derived a value of 5.102*10^-3 for the constant using a frequency-dependent energy density function but later achieved the correct value of 2.898*10^-3 by converting to a wavelength-dependent function. The conversation highlights the distinction between peak emission in frequency and wavelength domains, emphasizing that the functional forms of intensity versus wavelength and frequency lead to different maxima. The mathematical derivation confirms that Wien's law is accurately represented in terms of wavelength.

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  • Understanding of Wien's displacement law
  • Familiarity with Planck's law of black body radiation
  • Knowledge of differentiation techniques in calculus
  • Concept of energy density functions in physics
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  • Study the derivation of Wien's displacement law from Planck's law
  • Learn about the differences between frequency and wavelength domains in black body radiation
  • Explore the implications of the functional forms of intensity versus frequency and wavelength
  • Investigate the mathematical relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of light
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics and black body radiation, as well as educators looking to explain Wien's displacement law and its mathematical foundations.

jonathanpun
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When I was doing my assignment, I need to proof the Wien's Law.
The question given frequency dependent energy density function. So differentiate it respect to frequency v. Equate it with zero, and solve. i solved the value a=2.82144 = hv/KT=hc/(lambda)KT, i cannot get a correct value for the Wien's constant b = 2.898*10^-3, i only get 5.102*10^-3
But if i convert the frequency dependent Planck's energy density equation into wavelength dependent, and differentiate, solve. I get a*exp(a)-5*exp(a)+5=0 => a=4.96511=hc/(lambda)KT. Then i get a correct value for b.

So my question is why the Max. wavelength seems not corresponding to Max. frequency?

I have read the wikipedia about the law. but i don;t understand why it take ""the value 4 in this equation (midway between 3 and 5) yields a "compromise" wavelength-frequency-neutral peak, which is given for x = 3.92069039487...""

And it said "Because the spectrum from Planck's law of black body radiation takes a different shape in the frequency domain from that of the wavelength domain, the frequency location of the peak emission does not correspond to the peak wavelength using the simple relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of light."

So what is the connection of the two value b obtained by two method?
 
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Well, you just did the math. The frequency peak is different from the wavelength peak because the functional form of intensity vs wavelength is different from the functional form of intensity vs frequency, so when you find the maxima they are in slightly different places. I don't think there is any deeper explanation.

Since Wien's displacement law is stated in terms of wavelength, this is the correct function to use. I found this surprising too when I first encountered it, but the mathematics speaks for itself.
 

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