Physical nature of the energy elements hν

Characterize the physical nature of the energy elements hν introduced in Planck’s radiation theory by providing a clear and consistent interpretation of what these discrete energy elements represent in physical terms.

Background

After deriving the blackbody radiation law and connecting entropy to probability in the Boltzmann sense, Planck emphasized that, despite these advances, the conceptual status of the discrete energy elements hν in his theory remained unresolved. Clarifying their physical meaning was identified as a key theoretical challenge following the acceptance of the quantum of action h.