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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Physics » Planck’s Quantum Theory

Planck’s Quantum Theory

There have been many discoveries around the nature and energy values of waves in the late 19th to 20th centuries. One of them is Planck's Quantum Theory, which we'll discuss here.

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Earlier, scientists considered energy and matter to be unrelated and different from one another. However, many new phenomena and discoveries took place during the 19 to 20th centuries; during that time, Plank’s theory too came into existence by Max Plank, a German physicist. The article shares about the quantum theory of radiation given by Max Plank. It is also known as black body radiation, evidence for a particle theory of energy, electromagnetic radiation, and so on. So, let us begin by understanding the definition of Planck’s Theory or Planck’s Quantum Theory in the further content. 

Describe Planck’s Quantum Theory

Planck’s quantum theory elaborates on the absorption and emission of radiation. Here are some observations of Planck’s Theory – 

  • Matter tends to absorb or radiate energy discreetly in quantities. The process is discontinuous and takes place in the form of bundles or small packets. 
  • A quanta is defined as the smallest packet or bundle of energy. For example, when talking about light, a photon is defined as the quantum of light. 
  • The quantum energy emitted or absorbed is directly proportional to the radiation’s frequency. 
  • A matter or body can absorb or radiate energy in the multiples of the whole number of a quantum and is expressed as the. 
  • Here, n is considered to be a positive number integer. The energy is radiated or absorbed in the form of hv, 2hv, 3hv, 4hv, and so on. Note that it does not take place as 1.5hv, 2.5hv. 

The Quantum Theory discovery

Max Plank is known as the father of quantum theory. As per data collected by Plank, E = hv. In this case, h is defined as Planck’s constant, which has the value of (6.62606957 x 10-34 J s), and v is defined as the value of frequency. E here is the energy value of the electromagnetic wave. Plank claimed that this equation comes as a part of a side effect of the emission and absorption process of radiation. He also added that the equation has no relation with the actual traits of the radiation. But, Albert Einstein re-exploded the hypothesis given by Planck’s Quantum Theory in 1905. Einstein grabbed the specific factors of the theory and used them to understand and establish the existence of the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect takes place at the time when light strikes on a surface of a particular material and results in the ejection of electrons. 

Planck’s Quantum Theory supporting evidence

A number of experiments were carried out to examine the credibility of Planck’s quantum theory. And all these experiments supported the claims of the theory by showing that the energy value found in the electron motion is quantized in the matter. Furthermore, a prism has the ability to segregate light as per its wavelengths. In case the light acts as a wave only, then in this scenario, the prism is expected to give out a continuous rainbow. This statement also verifies Planck’s quantum theory. Aside from this, the nitrogen gas emission spectrum backs up Planck’s quantum theory as well. 

Planck’s Quantum Theory Applications

Planck’s Quantum Theory refers to the basic quantum mechanics theory. Therefore, it tends to have applications across every field where quantum mechanics is in use. For example, quantum computing, electrical appliances, quantum cryptography, lasers, the medical field, and so on. 

Keynote: As per max Planck, the light energy is directly proportional to the frequency. Here, h is the Plank’s constant that relates the light energy to frequency. Later, Albert Einstein found out that light is actually created by the discrete units (quanta) of the energy known as photons. 

Conclusion

Planck’s quantum theory has been an important discovery in the world of science. Now scientists are able to understand the properties of radiation, light energy, etc. Here, with the article, we covered a detailed introduction of the concept of Planck’s quantum theory. We have also explored the meaning and what the theory stands for. Further, there are a few examples of evidence that prove its credibility.

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What are the two prime points of Planck's quantum theory?

Ans : Planck’s Quantum Theory expresses these two main points:  ...Read full

How does Planck's Quantum Theory describe the photoelectric effect?

Ans : The photoelectric effect can be expressed by Planck’s Quantum Theory considering the co...Read full

What are the statements that Planck's quantum theory verified?

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Why is Planck's quantum theory important?

Ans : Plank’s Theory is critical because it describes the quantum nature of the electromagnet...Read full

Explain Planck's Quantum Theory in layman's terms?

Ans : It is defined as a theory in the field of physics which is based on the idea of radiant energ...Read full

Ans : Planck’s Quantum Theory expresses these two main points: 

  • Different kinds of molecules and atoms are able to absorb or emit energy only discreetly in quantities. 
  • The smallest energy amount can be absorbed or emitted as electromagnetic radiation, which is called quanta. 

 

Ans : The photoelectric effect can be expressed by Planck’s Quantum Theory considering the concept of radiation:

  • The photocurrent is directly proportional to the radiation’s intensity that is falling on the surface. 
  • The maximum value of the emitted photoelectrons’ kinetic energy is directly proportional to the emitted radiation’s frequency.
  • There is a presence of the minimum amount of threshold frequency. Hence, when the frequency’s radiation is less in comparison to the present threshold frequency, and it falls on the metal surface, no photoemission process takes place regardless of the radiation’s intensity. 

 

Ans : Planck’s Quantum Theory verified that the light energy is directly proportional to the radiation’s frequency. Next, it tells that the Plank’s constant h is the constant that relates the value of light energy and frequency to one another. 

Ans : Plank’s Theory is critical because it describes the quantum nature of the electromagnetic waves’ energy. In addition to it, Plank’s Theory also deals with certain critical phenomena like the photoelectric effect and the radiated emission’s nature. The Planck’s Theory has a special position for explaining these concepts as earlier; no classical mechanics laws were able to learn these concepts. 

 

 

 

 

Ans : It is defined as a theory in the field of physics which is based on the idea of radiant energy’s subdivision into a number of finite units or quanta. It has applications in a wide range of procedures that involve the transformation and transference of energy on a molecular or atomic scale. 

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