12.13 Planck's Radiation Formula
To deduce an equation for the law of distribution of energy amongst different wavelengths, we require a known mechanism of emission and absorption of radiant energy by matter. At the time when Planck deduced his radiation formula, the mechanism of emission and absorption of radiant energy (as later developed by Bohr) was not known. But, the idea of Hertzian oscillators was fully developed. They are electromagnetic oscillators consisting of two poles with equal and opposite charges. Radiation being of electromagnetic nature, such an oscillator placed in a radiation field will be caused to execute forced oscillations. The damping force on these oscillators being very small, the oscillators are only sensitive to ...
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