How Does Classical Statistical Mechanics Perform in Explaining Gas Properties?

[imy786]

Homework Statement

describe one significant success and one troublesome failure encountered when classical statistical mechanics is used to explain the properties of gases.

(7 marks)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

success- it is simple to and it would fit the ideal world..

problem- we do not live in an ideal world, and different gases have different properties...

 

[D H]

Were I grading this, I would want a bit more specifics. We want a bit more specifics here at PF also.

 

[Hootenanny]

Think 7 marks, so I need to make 7 points.

 

[imy786]

statistical mechanics concetrates on only on average behaviour of gases, using assumpitons about the likelohood of different possibilites.

this avoides the use of details Newtonion calculation and turns the burden of enormouse number of molecules into an asset.

the good thing is the large number of molecules helps to ensure the relaibiility of the statsitcal mechincs.