Black-body radiation and photons

What this note covers

1. A black body is an ideal absorber and thermal emitter
2. Wien’s displacement law estimates temperature from a peak
3. Total radiated power and spectral shape answer separate questions
4. The classical prediction motivated energy quantisation
5. Photon energy, momentum and counting connect to measurements
6. Read thermal data and compare competing explanations

6 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes