Classical statistical mechanics requires the existence of h (but does not define its value). Eventually, following upon Planck's discovery, it was recognized that physical action cannot take on an arbitrary value. Instead, it must be some multiple of a very small quantity, the "quantum of action", now called the Planck constant. Classical physics cannot explain this fact. In many cases, such as for monochromatic light or for atoms, this quantum of action also implies that only certain energy levels are allowed, and values in between are forbidden. COUNT 14
QSN1 What does classical statistics mechanics not define the value of? ANS1 h QSN2 What is required to exist in classical statistics mechanics? ANS2 h QSN3 After Planck's findings, what was determined could not take on an arbitrary value? ANS3 physical action QSN4 What is the "quantum of action" called? ANS4 the Planck constant QSN5 What does the Planck Constant refer to? ANS5 quantum of action QSN6 Classical statistical mechanics requires the existence of what? ANS6 h QSN7 What was realized after Planck's discovery? ANS7 that physical action cannot take on an arbitrary value QSN8 What is the Planck constant formerly known as? ANS8 quantum of action QSN9 Regarding atoms, what does the Planck constant imply? ANS9 that only certain energy levels are allowed QSN10 Regarding atoms, what are values in between certain energy levels considered by the Planck constant? ANS10 forbidden QSN11 Following Planck's discovery, what was realized about values of physical action? ANS11 physical action cannot take on an arbitrary value QSN12 The Planck constant initially was given what name? ANS12 the "quantum of action" QSN13 How is the proportional nature of the Planck constant explained? ANS13 Classical physics cannot explain this fact QSN14 For certain cases of light or atoms, what does the quantum of action yield? ANS14 only certain energy levels are allowed, and values in between are forbidden.