Question

What are the main postulates of Planck Quantum Theory?

Answer 1

To solve this question, we need to briefly discuss the origin of the Planck Quantum theory. Then we can discuss the postulates as well as other test cases and uses of this theory.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations could satisfactorily explain the physical phenomena like interference and diffraction. Interference and diffraction of waves are caused by superimposing electromagnetic waves on each other. However, Maxwell failed to explain other phenomena like photoelectric effect. Photoelectric effect can be explained as a phenomenon wherein electrons are released from the surface of a metallic substance when a significantly strong electromagnetic radiation is made to be incident on it. The problems with explaining such phenomena revolved around the nature of emission of radiation from hot bodies. Another such phenomena is Black Body radiation.
Max Planck understood these shortcomings of Maxwell’s theory and hence put forward his Quantum Theory to fill the gaps in Maxwell’s Theory. There are 3 main postulates in Planck’s Quantum theory. They can be explained as follows:
Energy is emitted in the form of small potions or packets known as quanta, as opposed to the previously proposed idea of a continuous wave.
The frequency of the radiation emitted determines the energy of each quantum of energy. Both these quantities are directly related to each other.
The total energy absorbed by anybody or surface is equal to the sum of the energies of all quanta of energy.

Note: Max Planck’s quantum theory provides a detailed description oof the physical properties of all substances at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It can be regarded as the foundation of all quantum physics including quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology and quantum information science.