V. S NIKETAN H. S.

SCHOOL
Tinkune, Kathmandu
Phone no: 01-4621787

"We certify that this project satisfactorily meets the scope of utilizing physics
applications, contributing to the partial fulfillment of the requirements for Class
11 in the Physics Science Stream.”

Evaluation Committee

___________________ ___________________
Internal Examiner External Examiner
Mr. Anjit Bista
V.S. Niketan College
Tinkune, Kathmandu

2
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Content Page No.

Acknowledgement 4
Abstract 5
Objective 6
Theory 7-8
Materials Required 9
Procedure 10
Observation 11
Result 12
Application 13
Precaution 14
Reference 15

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
"I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to my physics teacher,
Mr. Anjit Bista, for his sincere guidance and advice, which helped me
successfully complete my project. Additionally, I am thankful to the physics lab
assistant, Mr. Krishna Poudel, for his proper guidance, encouragement, and
moderation during my lab classes.”

Most of all, I thank our school management for providing us the facilities and
opportunity to do this project.

I am also grateful to my parents and friends for their constant support and help
throughout the project, without their encouragement and support this project
could not have been completed in time.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the accessories and every single person who
helped me to complete this physics project successfully.

Thank you!

4
 Abstract
This project delves into the qualitative aspects of black body radiation, examining
its theoretical underpinnings and practical implications. Grounded in foundational
works by Max Planck and Wilhelm Wien, the study rigorously validates theoretical
predictions, such as Planck's law and Wien's displacement law, through meticulous
experimentation and data analysis. By scrutinizing the spectral distribution,
intensity, and temperature dependence of black body radiation, the project aims to
deepen our understanding of this fundamental phenomenon.

Furthermore, the practical significance of black body radiation extends across

diverse domains, including astrophysics, thermal engineering, and spectroscopy.
Astronomical observations rely on understanding the thermal signatures of celestial
bodies, facilitated by black body radiation principles. Infrared technology,
underpinned by these principles, finds applications in thermal imaging, medical
diagnostics, and industrial inspections. Through meticulous precautions and
rigorous analysis, this project contributes to a comprehensive exploration of black
body radiation, enriching our understanding of its theoretical intricacies and
practical applications.

5
OBJECTIVE

❖ To study the qualitative ideas of black body radiation.

6
 THEORY
A black body, an idealised concept in physics, serves as a theoretical benchmark
for radiation behaviour. Visualised as a perfect absorber and emitter of energy
across all electromagnetic wavelengths, its name derives from its visual
appearance when cold completely black. The emitted energy manifests as
blackbody radiation, characterised by a skewed, bell-shaped curve representing
intensity versus wavelength. At the peak of this curve lies the wavelength where
radiation intensity is maximal, a value contingent upon the black body's
thermodynamic temperature measured in kelvins. As temperature rises, the peak
wavelength decreases, with the relationship governed by Wien's constant.

Despite popular perception, not all black-coloured objects qualify as black

bodies. True black bodies exhibit ideal emission and absorption properties,
adhering faithfully to Planck's radiation curve. An illustrative example is a
cavity with a small aperture, wherein incident light enters and is absorbed
without significant reflection, resulting in an effective black body. Crucially, all
black bodies emit light at identical intensities for a given temperature, negating
the concept of intensity variation among them.

Figure 1: Cavity black body

Rayleigh-Jeans Law:

In physics, the Rayleigh-Jeans Law approximates the spectral radiance of

electromagnetic radiation emitted by a black body at a specific temperature,

7-8
based on classical arguments. Expressed as a function of wavelength λ, the law
delineates spectral radiance (B) as a product of various constants and
temperature (T) in kelvins. Initially successful for low-frequency photons, its
applicability diminishes as frequency increases, deviating notably from
experimental findings.

Bλ(T)= “2ckBT
—— ,
λ4

Planck's Distribution:

In contrast, Planck's distribution provides a comprehensive framework

applicable across the entire electromagnetic spectrum for all temperatures. His
theory revolutionised understanding by proposing that light propagates in
discrete energy packets. Planck's law elegantly describes the spectral radiance of
black body radiation, effectively reconciling discrepancies encountered with the
Rayleigh-Jeans Law. Thus, Planck's formulation stands as a cornerstone in
explaining the behaviour of black body radiation, bridging theory with empirical
observations.

7-8
 MATERIALS REQUIRED

❖ Black body radiator (e.g., a hollow cavity with a small hole)

❖ Thermometer or temperature sensor
❖ Spectrometer or spectrophotometer
❖ Power source
❖ Radiation detector
❖ Data recording and analysis tools

9
 PROCEDURE

1. Set up the black body radiator and ensure it is in thermal equilibrium.

2. Measure the temperature of the black body using a thermometer or
temperature sensor.
3. Use a spectrometer or spectrophotometer to analyze the emitted radiation
spectrum.
4. Record the observations and data regarding the intensity and wavelength
distribution of radiation.
5. Repeat the experiment for different temperatures of the black body.
6. Analyse the data and compare it with theoretical predictions.

10
 OBSERVATION

❖ Variation in the intensity of radiation with wavelength at different

temperatures.
❖ Shift in the peak wavelength of radiation emission with temperature.
❖ Confirmation of the theoretical predictions regarding black body
radiation.

11
 RESULT

1. Spectral Distribution Analysis:

● Identified peak wavelength of maximal radiation intensity,
dependent on black body temperature.
● Observed skewed, bell-shaped curve representing intensity versus
wavelength.

2. Intensity Variation with Temperature:

● Confirmed shift in peak wavelength to shorter wavelengths with
increasing temperature.
● Quantified changes in intensity and wavelength distribution across
temperature range.

3. Verification of Theoretical Laws:

● Validated Planck's law for spectral radiance across entire
electromagnetic spectrum.
● Demonstrated limitations of Rayleigh-Jeans Law at higher
frequencies.

4. Uniform Intensity Emission:

● Established uniformity in emitted light intensity among black
bodies for a given temperature.

12
 APPLICATIONS

1. Astrophysics:
● Analyze thermal signatures of celestial bodies for insights into
temperature and composition.
● Aid in interpretation of astronomical observations across various
wavelengths.

2. Thermal Engineering:
● Optimize thermal systems and energy conversion technologies based
on black body radiation principles.
● Improve thermal management strategies in electronics and industrial
processes.

3. Spectroscopy
● Enhance material analysis and identification in fields such as
chemistry and forensics.
● Support advancements in medical diagnostics and environmental
monitoring.

4. Optoelectronics and Photonics:

● Inform design of optoelectronic and photonic devices for
telecommunications and data processing.
● Improve efficiency and spectral purity of light sources and detectors.

5. Environmental Science and Climate Studies:

● Incorporate black body radiation principles in climate models for
accurate Earth energy balance simulations.
● Aid in interpretation of satellite observations for monitoring
environmental changes and informing climate mitigation efforts.

13
 PRECAUTIONS

1. Ensure the black body radiator is well-insulated to minimize heat loss.

2. Handle radiation detection equipment with care to avoid damage.
3. Maintain a controlled environment to prevent external factors from
influencing the experiment.

14
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

❖ Comprehensive Physics Book by Pitamber Shrestha by Heritage

Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd
❖ https://myprojectideas.com
❖ https://www.bartleby.com
❖ https://science.study.com
❖ https://www.researchgate.net/

15