In this paper it is presented the history of the creation of the energy quantum by Max Planck.. The history of science is used to clarify concepts insofar it discloses problems that were proposed, and how concepts were introduced in the process of solving them. Therefore, in this paper we emphasize the problem of the interaction of the radiation with matter, and Planck's solution to it. In particular, the concept of distribution is illustrated by showing the ways to distribute particles (painted spheres) in microscopic states (boxes).
quantum of energy; Planck's distribution; history of physics
