discovery
Planck Presents Quantum Hypothesis
Max Planck presents his blackbody radiation formula to the German Physical Society (DPG) in Berlin, postulating that energy is emitted in discrete packets — quanta — of size E=hν. This 'act of desperation,' as Planck called it, marks the birth of quantum theory. His constant h = 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s becomes a fundamental constant of nature.
Media
Sources
- T1 APS — Planck Radiation Formula Historical Note Official
- T1 Nobel Prize Archive — Planck 1918 Lecture Official