Blackbody Radiation
Blackbody radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an idealized object, known as a blackbody, that absorbs all incoming radiation without reflecting any. When heated, a blackbody emits radiation across a spectrum of wavelengths, depending on its temperature. This phenomenon is described by Planck's law, which explains how the intensity of radiation varies with wavelength and temperature.
The concept of blackbody radiation was crucial in the development of quantum mechanics. It helped scientists understand the relationship between temperature and emitted radiation, leading to the realization that energy is quantized. This discovery paved the way for advancements in various fields, including thermodynamics and astrophysics.