Transforming classical physics: a story with mythical
dimensions
Light emission and radiation
Theoretical interest:
EM, thermo and stat mech
Practical interest: electrical
standards
Some basic vocabulary
Spectra: discrete and
continuous
Studying the continuous spectrum
Relating emission and absorption,
universality
What is a black body, and where
can we find one?
Thermodynamic successes
Names
and terms
Primary
Secondary
Max Planck (1858-1947), NP 1918
Imperial Physical-Technical Institute (PTR)
wavelength (l), frequency
( f or n)
n = c/l
(c is the speed of light)
cavity radiation
Wien distribution law
Wilhelm Wien (1864-1928), NP 1911