(i) Describe the qualitative nature of the graph you expect when total emissive power per unit area, E, of a perfect black body is plotted directly against its absolute temperature, T.
(ii) A laboratory student prefers to plot E on the vertical axis against T⁴ on the horizontal axis. Explain why this choice of variables is advantageous for determining a fundamental constant of thermal radiation.
(iii) Name the physical constant that can be obtained from the slope of the straight line produced in the E–versus–T⁴ plot and state its SI unit.
a. (i) Describe the qualitative nature of the graph you expect when total emissive power per unit area, E, of a perfect black body is plotted directly against its absolute temperature, T.
b. (ii) A laboratory student prefers to plot E on the vertical axis against T4 on the horizontal axis. Explain why this choice of variables is advantageous for determining a fundamental constant of thermal radiation.
c. (iii) Name the physical constant that can be obtained from the slope of the straight line produced in the E–versus–T4 plot and state its SI unit.