- #1
Urmi Roy
- 753
- 1
Hi All,
In relation to the Boltzmann distribution vs the FD/BE distributions in different applications, I have 2 basic questions:
1. The Boltzmann distribution comes most easily from the Canonical Ensemble (constant N, V,T) while the FD/BE come from the Grand Canonical ensemble (constant .mu, V, T).
Intuitively, I picture the Boltzmann distribution being used for systems such as a container of an ideal gas. This makes sense to me, but in my h/w I got a question where I had to apply the Boltzmann distribution to a DNA molecule which increases energy by 'e' every time a bond breaks. I don't understand however how the Boltzmann distribution is applicable here, as this problem has nothing to do with V or T.
2. For an electron, I don't see why the grand canonical ensemble is applicable because I don't see how a 'chemical potential reservoir' is applicable to an electron nor how the temperature of an electron is fixed.
Please help me understand these concepts!U
In relation to the Boltzmann distribution vs the FD/BE distributions in different applications, I have 2 basic questions:
1. The Boltzmann distribution comes most easily from the Canonical Ensemble (constant N, V,T) while the FD/BE come from the Grand Canonical ensemble (constant .mu, V, T).
Intuitively, I picture the Boltzmann distribution being used for systems such as a container of an ideal gas. This makes sense to me, but in my h/w I got a question where I had to apply the Boltzmann distribution to a DNA molecule which increases energy by 'e' every time a bond breaks. I don't understand however how the Boltzmann distribution is applicable here, as this problem has nothing to do with V or T.
2. For an electron, I don't see why the grand canonical ensemble is applicable because I don't see how a 'chemical potential reservoir' is applicable to an electron nor how the temperature of an electron is fixed.
Please help me understand these concepts!U