Adding energy to confined particles

In summary, the principle of equipartition states that energy is distributed equally among all degrees of freedom in a system. However, if a proton is locked in place and energy is added to it, this would not follow the principle as the particle cannot move and therefore cannot distribute the energy among its degrees of freedom. Additionally, protons do not receive energy in the form of spin or vibration like molecules do. While there are excited states of the proton, they have a different mass and are considered different particles.
  • #1
rimmini
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Adding energy to confined "particles"

I just read on the priniple of equipartition. What if you were to lock a proton in place so that it could not move from a defined point (3d) and then dumped energy into it. Would you still have equipartion through all of the degrees of freedom or only in spin and vibration (remember the proton is locked at a defined point and can not move.
 
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  • #2


You cannot constrain a particle to a single point in space. This would violate the laws of physics. Every potential would give some volume where its wave function is spread out, and you always have higher-energetic states.

Protons do not get energy in spin (I think you mean rotation here?) and vibration as molecules do. While there are excited states of the proton, they are different particles and have a very different mass (some 100 MeV more).
 

1. How does adding energy to confined particles affect their motion?

Adding energy to confined particles increases their kinetic energy and causes them to move faster and with more random motion. This can lead to changes in the physical properties of the particles, such as changes in temperature or phase.

2. Can adding energy to confined particles change their state of matter?

Yes, adding energy to confined particles can cause them to transition from one state of matter to another. For example, adding energy to solid particles can cause them to melt and become a liquid, or adding energy to a liquid can cause it to evaporate and become a gas.

3. What happens to the pressure of confined particles when energy is added?

The pressure of confined particles increases when energy is added, as the particles gain more kinetic energy and collide with the walls of their container more frequently and with greater force.

4. Is there a limit to how much energy can be added to confined particles?

Yes, there is a limit to how much energy can be added to confined particles. This is known as the critical point or critical temperature, beyond which the particles will undergo a phase transition and can no longer be confined in the same way.

5. Can adding energy to confined particles cause chemical reactions?

Yes, adding energy to confined particles can provide the activation energy needed for chemical reactions to occur. This is why heating is often used in chemical reactions to speed up the reaction rate and increase the chances of a successful reaction.

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