View source for Max Planck

{{Infobox person
| name = Max Planck
| born = 23 April 1858
| died = 4 October 1947
| nationality = German
| occupation = Physicist
| known_for = Quantum theory; black-body radiation
| notable_work = Planck’s law; work on thermodynamics
}}


'''Max Planck''' (23 April 1858 – 4 October 1947) was a physicist whose work addressed thermodynamics, radiation, and the foundations of quantum theory. He examined how energy is exchanged between matter and radiation under physical constraints.

His work introduced concepts that departed from classical physics while remaining grounded in established theoretical frameworks.

== Early life and education ==
Planck was born in Kiel, then part of the German Confederation. He studied physics at the universities of Munich and Berlin, focusing on thermodynamics and theoretical physics.

His early work aligned with classical physical theory.

== Black-body radiation ==
Planck addressed the problem of black-body radiation, seeking a theoretical account of observed spectral distributions. In 1900, he introduced a formula that fit experimental data by assuming that energy is exchanged in discrete amounts.

This assumption was initially treated as a formal device rather than a claim about physical reality.

== Quantum hypothesis ==
Planck proposed that energy is quantized in units proportional to frequency, later called quanta. This hypothesis departed from classical continuity assumptions and introduced a new constant, now known as Planck’s constant.

The implications of this proposal were developed further by other physicists.

== Thermodynamics ==
Planck made contributions to thermodynamics, particularly concerning entropy and irreversibility. He defended the objective status of the second law of thermodynamics against statistical interpretations.

These views shaped his approach to physical explanation.

== Relationship to institutions ==
Planck held academic positions at several German universities, including Berlin. He played administrative roles within scientific institutions and supported research in theoretical physics.

His career spanned periods of political instability in Germany.

== Limits and uncertainty ==
Planck initially resisted some interpretive consequences of quantum theory, particularly probabilistic accounts. His own interpretation of quantization differed from later formulations.

Debate continues regarding how he understood the implications of his work.

== Status ==
Max Planck is regarded as a central figure in the origins of quantum theory. His work continues to be discussed in the history and foundations of physics.

== Related topics ==

[[Quantum theory]]

[[Black-body radiation]]

[[Thermodynamics]]

[[Planck constant]]

[[Category:Physicists]]
[[Category:German physicists]]
[[Category:19th-century physics]]
[[Category:20th-century physics]]