Harmonic Potentials and energy state populations

AI Thread Summary
For a potential energy surface with two minima, A and B, the discussion focuses on determining the relationship between the force constants kA and kB to establish when the higher energy state B becomes more probable at temperature T. The key question is how small kB must be relative to kA for state B to be favored. The lack of responses indicates a need for clarification or deeper exploration of the topic. The inquiry emphasizes the importance of understanding harmonic potentials in statistical mechanics. Engaging with this concept can provide insights into energy state populations in thermodynamic systems.
DanPhysChem
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Hi All - Let's say I have a potential energy surface with two minima, one higher than the other. We will label the higher minima B and the lower minima A. Each potential well can be approximated as a harmonic potential with force constants kA and kB for wells A and B respectively. How small must kB be in terms of kA in order for that state (higher energy) to be the more likely state at temperature T?
 
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Sry to bump my own thread. I'm really dying on this one here, any help is much appreciated.
 
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