Chapter 4: Blackbody radiation and the birth of quantum physics: Problems

Luis M. Molina
Departamento de F sica Te orica, At omica y Optica

Quantum Physics

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.1

Question
Express Plancks formula for the density of energy T ( ) in a blackbody cavity in terms of the wavelenght . Then, prove Wiens displacement law, calculating Wiens constant.

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Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.1

Question
Express Plancks formula for the density of energy T ( ) in a blackbody cavity in terms of the wavelenght . Then, prove Wiens displacement law, calculating Wiens constant.

Solution
We start from: T ( ) = Then, as = c /, we have: d 8 h c 3 c 8 hc 1 1 T () = T ( ) d = c 3 3 2 e hc kT 1 = 5 e hc /kT 1 8 2 h c 3 e h/kT 1 (1)

(2)

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.1

Solution (cont.)
Now, to nd the wavelength max for which T () reaches a maximum, we equal the derivative of the function to 0: T () = 8 hc hc e hc /kT 5 1 ` 6 hc /kT 7 kT e hc /kT 1 2 e 1 = hc e hc /kT 5=0 hc kT e /kT 1 xe x = 5. ex 1 ! =0

(3)

Now taking x = hc /kT , we need to solve the equation

This can only be solved numerically, with the result x = 4,965114. Then, nally: max T = hc 6,626 1034 J s 2,9979 108 m/s = = 2,897 103 m K xk 4,965114 1,3806 1023 J /K (4)

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.2
Question
A cavity at 6000K has an energy distribution corresponding to a blackbody. We make a small hole in it with 1mm diameter. Calculate the power irradiated through the hole in the wavelength interval between 5500 and 5510 A, as well as the total power

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.2
Question
A cavity at 6000K has an energy distribution corresponding to a blackbody. We make a small hole in it with 1mm diameter. Calculate the power irradiated through the hole in the wavelength interval between 5500 and 5510 A, as well as the total power

Solution
As the wavelength interval is rather small, we can approximate the total backbody radiancy within that interval as: Z RT =
A B

c 8 hc d 2 hc 2 () 5 hc / kT M 4 5 e hc /kT 1 1 M e

(5)

with = B A and M = (B + A )/2 Then, the total power will be the radiancy times the area of the hole: P= 2 6,626 1034 J s (3 108 )m2 /s 2 1 109 m (106 m2 ) = 0,301 W (0,5505 106 m)5 e 4,359 1

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.3
Solution (cont.)
For the total power, we use Stefans law: RT = T 4 = 5,6704 108 Js 1 m2 K 4 (6000K )4 = 7,3488 107 W /m2 P = RT A = 7,3488 107 W /m2 (3,1416 106 m2 ) = 230,87 W

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.3
Solution (cont.)
For the total power, we use Stefans law: RT = T 4 = 5,6704 108 Js 1 m2 K 4 (6000K )4 = 7,3488 107 W /m2 P = RT A = 7,3488 107 W /m2 (3,1416 106 m2 ) = 230,87 W

Question
In a thermonuclear explosion the temperature in the reball is momentarily 107 K . Find the wavelength at which the radiation emitted is a maximum.

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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Problem 1.3
Solution (cont.)
For the total power, we use Stefans law: RT = T 4 = 5,6704 108 Js 1 m2 K 4 (6000K )4 = 7,3488 107 W /m2 P = RT A = 7,3488 107 W /m2 (3,1416 106 m2 ) = 230,87 W

Question
In a thermonuclear explosion the temperature in the reball is momentarily 107 K . Find the wavelength at which the radiation emitted is a maximum.

Solution
We apply Wiens law, obtaining: max = 2,897 103 m K = 2,897 1010 m = 2,897 A 107 K

which represent rather energetic X-rays.

Luis M. Molina (FTAO)

Chapter 3

Quantum Physics

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