What statement accurately describes the ultraviolet catastrophe?

Answer 1

The ultraviolet catastrophe refers to a problem in classical physics that arose in the late 19th century when attempts to predict the spectral energy distribution of blackbody radiation led to results that suggested an infinite amount of energy emitted at ultraviolet wavelengths. According to classical theories, the intensity of radiation increased without bound at shorter wavelengths, which contradicted experimental observations. This discrepancy was resolved by Max Planck's introduction of quantized energy levels, leading to the development of quantum mechanics and the correct description of blackbody radiation. The ultraviolet catastrophe highlights the limitations of classical physics in explaining phenomena at atomic and subatomic scales.