The ultraviolet catastrophe predicts that:
A)all objects should radiate extreme amounts of ultraviolet light.
B)as an object gets hotter its light will change from dull red to blue white.
C)a black body can absorb an infinite amount of radiation if the radiation is in the ultraviolet region.
D)the radiated energy approaches zero as the wavelength approaches zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ultraviolet catastrophe is a prediction of classical physics that suggests all objects at thermal equilibrium should emit radiation with infinite energy as the frequency increases, particularly in the ultraviolet region. This was a paradox that was resolved by the introduction of quantum mechanics, specifically through Planck's law, which accurately describes the emission of radiation by black bodies and does not predict infinite energy emission.

The Ultraviolet Catastrophe Predicts That