Equal probability principle

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the "equal-probability-principle" and the "equal-a-priori-probability-postulate." The latter is recognized as a foundational assumption in statistical mechanics, stating that all accessible microscopic states of equal energy are equally likely. There is uncertainty regarding the terminology, as some participants have not encountered the term "equal-probability-principle." Clarification is sought on whether both terms refer to the same concept. Understanding these principles is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in statistical mechanics.
Abigale
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Hey Guys,

I have got a question.
English is not my first language.

Is the "equal-probability-principle" the same as "the equal-a-priori-probability-postulate"?

Do both names describe the same process?

Thx
Abby o:)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Abigale said:
Hey Guys,

I have got a question.
English is not my first language.

Is the "equal-probability-principle" the same as "the equal-a-priori-probability-postulate"?

Do both names describe the same process?

Thx
Abby o:)

I have not heard the phrase "equal-probability-principle", but I believe that the "equal-a-priori-probability-postulate" refers to the assumption in statistical mechanics that for a system in equilibrium, all reachable microscopic states of the same energy are equally probable.
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
View full post »

Thread 'Highway: Deriving speed from Doppler shift'

I passed a motorcycle on the highway going the opposite direction. I know I was doing 125/km/h. I estimated that the frequency of his motor dropped by an entire octave, so that's a doubling of the wavelength. My intuition is telling me that's extremely unlikely. I can't actually calculate how fast he was going with just that information, can I? It seems to me, I have to know the absolute frequency of one of those tones, either shifted up or down or unshifted, yes? I tried to mimic the...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Principle of relativity and Galileo's group
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Does the postulate of equal a priori probability apply only to equilibrium?
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Work - Energy Principle Application to Fluid Flow
Replies
35
Views
4K
Why is Hamilton's Principle assumed to be valid for non-holonomic systems?
Replies
25
Views
3K
I Exceptions to the postulate of equal a priori probabilities?
Replies
4
Views
2K
B What forces act on a bar when you do pull-ups?
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Simple forces described in terms of fundamental forces
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Hydrostatics: Pascal's principle and ocean depth
Replies
13
Views
2K
A F.E.M and Hamilton's Principle (converting differential equations into integral equations)
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Does the Equal A Priori Probabilities Assumption Hold for Interacting Gases?
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top