Study Questions and Suggested Essay Topics What was the meaning
and significance of Planck's famous equation, E = hv? What was
Planck's philosophy of science, and how was it undermined by the
success of quantum physics? How did Planck's political beliefs–
specifically, his nationalism–affect his life? Suggested Essay
Topics Discuss Planck's changing relationship with Albert
Einstein. Should Planck be praised or criticized for his actions
in the years just before World War II? Why? Discuss the
differences in Germany before and after World War I. How did
World War I affect German science? What was Planck's attitude
toward quantum physics? How did the rise of the Nazi Party
affect German science? How did it affect Planck's life? What is
blackbody radiation, and why was it so important in the late
nineteenth century? Readers' Notes allow users to add their own
analysis and insights to our SparkNotes—and to discuss those
ideas with one another. Have a novel take or think we left
something out? Add a Readers' Note!