Explain the exact notion of an ensemble

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The discussion centers on the concept of the canonical ensemble in statistical mechanics. The canonical ensemble assumes a heat reservoir that allows for continuous thermal energy exchange, ensuring a constant temperature. Key constraints include normalization of the probability density and fixing the average of the classical or quantum Hamiltonian. Understanding these principles is essential for applying statistical mechanics effectively.

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Hi, can someone please explain the exact notion of an ensemble to me please?

In the canonical ensemble, how do ensembles exchange energy between one another?
what is the significance of keeping the temperature fixed?

thanks
 
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h0dgey84bc said:
Hi, can someone please explain the exact notion of an ensemble to me please?

In the canonical ensemble, how do ensembles exchange energy between one another?
what is the significance of keeping the temperature fixed?
I understand that the canonical ensemble that just elected the new Pope held lively exchanges. But you might want to check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonical_ensemble

AM
 
The canonical ensemble assumes a heat reservoir for each statistical system from the ensemble and the continuous (thermal) energy change between the reservoir & the system insures constant temperature.

The 2 constraints which characterize the canonical ensemble are:

*normalization for the probability density/the density operator
*fixing of the average of the classical/quantum hamiltonian.

Then apply the axioms and get the entropy...

Daniel.
 

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