Wize University Chemistry Textbook > Early Atomic Theory to Quantum Theory
Blackbody Radiation
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Blackbody radiation
Classical Problem:
Issues:
- Classical Theory does not do a good job predict the emission of bodies in the infrared region, especially for cooler bodies.
- Near the UV-range classical theory predicts an infinite increase in radiance which means an infinite amount of light being emitted. This is a clear contradiction of energy conservation, a BIG ISSUE! Known as the UV-Catastrophe
Solution:
- Max Plank discovered that if the restricted energy that can be released or absorbed by atoms into discrete energy packets he could successfully predict the experimental observations.
Results:
- The smallest quantity of energy that can be emitted or absorbed as electromagnetic radiation, is called a quanta
The energy of a single quantum is:
Wize Tip
You should memorize the value for the speed of light (c) = 3.0x108m/s as that value is not always provided on exams.
Wize Concept
Where will I see this on an exam?
Questions on this topic tend to arise in the form of a calculation. You will be asked to determine the energy or wavelength of a given ray of light.