Calculating Microstates and Oscillators in a Collection of Objects

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating microstates and oscillators in a theoretical model involving one-dimensional oscillators representing atoms in an Einstein solid. The problem specifically addresses how to determine the number of microstates for a given energy configuration and the expected distribution of these microstates across a larger collection of similar objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem and seeks guidance on relevant equations. Some participants suggest specific formulas for calculating microstates, while others share their experiences with the problem and discuss the results they obtained.

Discussion Status

Participants have begun to share approaches to part A of the problem, with one participant confirming the effectiveness of a suggested formula. However, there remains uncertainty regarding part B, with references to external sources and varying results being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates difficulty in finding the appropriate equation in their textbook, which may suggest constraints in available resources or understanding of the material. Additionally, there are references to specific numerical results that participants have achieved, though these are not universally agreed upon.

fball558
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Microstates oscillators??

Homework Statement



I have no idea where to begin on this problem. but here is what it asks

Consider an object containing 6 one-dimensional oscillators (this object could represent a model of 2 atoms in an Einstein solid). There are 4 quanta of vibrational energy in the object.

(a) How many microstates are there, all with the same energy?


(b) If you examined a collection of 44000 objects of this kind, each containing 4 quanta of energy, about how many of these objects would you expect to find in the microstate 000004?


there probably is just an equation I am not seeing in the book, but i can't find it so if you could give me some help that would be great. in the mean time i will continue looking in the book.
thanks all!
 
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Hey, for part A, use this equation:

number of microstates = (number of quanta + number of oscillators -1)!/(number of quanta!*(number of oscillators-1)! :)
 


thx a lot now I know how to do part a

but still not sure abt part b

there is one formula that post online but I didn't get the right solution

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090413191454AApVs7Y

u can try anyways
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Awe, THANKS! It worked for me!

So for part A you should have gotten 126.
Then for part B you should have gotten 349.21

Did you try that?
 


that way on yahoo answers worked for me
 


yeap
now I get it
haha hbt problem 6 part b?
 

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