# Homework Help: Equipartition of energy

1. Nov 4, 2005

### Kenny Lee

Equipartition of energy states that each degree of freedom contributes an amount of K to each molecule equal to (1/2)(k_b)T.

I wrote:
K = (D/2)(k_b) T, where D is the number of degrees of freedom.

Is this correct? Because if it is, then does it mean that K is proportional to both D and T?

In other words, for two cases where Temperature is the same, the value of D dictates its temperature.

Thank you.

//edit
Well actually, I'm more concerned with the fact that according to that equation, two objects can have the same temperature and yet, a different K value; because of a different D.

Lemme know if you don't understand; I'll try rewording.

Last edited: Nov 4, 2005
2. Nov 4, 2005

### WalterContrata

Kenny,

I think that you are exactly right. For a given temperature, molecules with 6 degrees of freedom would have twice as much energy as those with just 3 degrees of freedom, on average.

Best Regards,
Walter

3. Nov 4, 2005

### Kenny Lee

thats strange.
Thanks.