Equipartition ceasing to apply at what temperature?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the energy of a tuning fork vibrating at 440 Hz using the equation E=hf, where h is Planck's constant. For the second part, participants explore the conditions under which equipartition of energy ceases to apply, particularly as temperature decreases. It is suggested that quantum physics becomes significant at low temperatures, impacting the behavior of thermal motions. The conversation encourages consideration of relevant quantum equations and their relationship to energy and temperature. Understanding these concepts is crucial for determining the temperature threshold for equipartition's applicability.
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Homework Statement



A tuning fork has a frequency of 440 Hz.

A) What is the size of one quantum of energy of vibration?
B) To approximately what temperature would the fork have to be cooled before equipartition would cease to apply to its thermal motions?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
A) 440 * h (Plank's constant)

B) ?? How does equipartition cease to apply?
 
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You have the first part correct i.e. ##E=hf## (read about the photoelectric effect for more details on where this comes from).
For the second part what do you think happens when the temperature is reduced? Does quantum physics have any role to play in this? Do you know any quantum physics equations which describe energy? Also do you know any formulae that relate to equipartition and have energy and temperature as variables?
 
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