A system has non-degenerate energy levels with energy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a quantum mechanical system with non-degenerate energy levels defined by the equation \(\epsilon=(n+1/2)\hbar\omega\). The original poster seeks to determine the probability of the system being in the n=1 state when in thermal equilibrium with a heat bath at a temperature of 1K.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to sum the total number of states to find the fraction in the n=1 state. Some participants suggest using a geometric series to handle the infinite sum involved in the calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to summing the states and calculating the probability. There is acknowledgment of a potential method involving geometric series, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes issues with LaTeX formatting, indicating potential communication barriers in expressing mathematical ideas clearly. The problem setup assumes knowledge of statistical mechanics and the relevant equations for probability in thermal systems.

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Homework Statement


A system has non-degenerate energy levels with energy\epsilon=(n+1/2)\hbar\omega where h-bar*omega=1.4*10^-23J and n positive integer zero what is the probability that it is in n=1 state with a heat bath of temperature 1K

Homework Equations


<br /> Z=\exp^\frac{-E_i}{k_b T} \\<br /> p_r=\frac{\exp^\frac{-E_i}{k_b T}}{\sum^N_j \exp^\frac{-E_j}{k_b T}}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure what to do now, I don't know how to sum the total number of states to get the fraction of states in the n=1 state
 
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The sum is a sum over q^i for some q<1, this has an analytic result. You can just plug in all values and calculate the result.
 
Ok I think I might have gotten it, to deal with the infinite sum use a geometric series,

<br /> <br /> \sum_0^\inf e^\frac{-(n+\frac{1}{2})}{k_b T} \\<br /> <br /> =e^\frac{-\hbar\omega}{2k_b T}\sum_0^\inf e^\frac{-n}{k_b T}\\<br /> <br /> =\frac{e^\frac{-\hbar\omega}{2k_b T}}{1-e^\frac{-\hbar\omega}{k_b T}<br /> <br />

then evaluate using the pr as stated before.

Also I don't know why my LaTeX is not displaying correctly.
 
Some error, probably with brackets.
Yes the approach is good.
 

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