Classical predictions of blackbody radiation lead to the so-called "ultraviolet…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics
Problem
Classical predictions of blackbody radiation lead to the so-called "ultraviolet catastrophe," in which the radiated power diverges at short wavelengths. Which modification to the classical model resolved this contradiction with experimental data?
(a) The speed of light in the cavity decreases continuously with decreasing wavelength.
(b) The finite size of the cavity imposes an upper frequency limit on standing waves, eliminating very short wavelengths.
(c) Electromagnetic oscillators in the cavity can exchange energy only in discrete amounts proportional to their frequency.
(d) Electromagnetic waves inside the cavity propagate as longitudinal rather than transverse waves at high frequency.