Stefan-Boltzmann constant
The Stefan-Boltzmann constant is a constant of proportionality, σ = power is radiated by an object at a given temperature.[1] It is a physical constant involved in the calculations regarding blackbody radiation in the Stefan-Boltzmann law. The constant defines the power per unit area emitted by a blackbody as a function of its temperature.[2]
which gives how muchThis constant was first calculated in 1879 by physicist Josef Stefan, and later again in 1884 by physicist Ludwig Boltzmann who took a more thermodynamic approach.[3] The Stefan-Boltzmann constant isn't a fundamental constant but is actually made of other constants (see the derivation from the Plank radiation formula on hyperphysics), which are used together often enough to be treated as a single constant.
References
- ↑ Kenneth Krane. Modern Physics, 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
- ↑ Marc L. Kutner. Astronomy: A Physical Perspective, 2nd ed. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press, 2003
- ↑ Encyclopedia Brittanica. (2015, Mar.7). Stefan-Boltzmann Law [Online]. Available: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/564843/Stefan-Boltzmann-law