Hydrogen atom at finitine temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the partition function to describe a hydrogen atom at finite temperature, exploring both quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. Participants question the appropriateness of using the ordinary partition function and whether it should be truncated at a specific value for accurate calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of using the ordinary partition function and suggests that there may be better methods for calculating the behavior of the hydrogen atom at finite temperature.
  • Another participant inquires about the implications of evaluating the partition function for n=2, specifically whether the probabilities of finding the atom in the 2s, 2px, 2py, and 2pz states are equal or if there are differences among them.
  • Some participants assert that the discussion encompasses both classical and quantum physics, with an emphasis on thermodynamics as the dominant aspect.
  • One participant challenges the notion that partition functions are relevant in thermodynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance and application of the partition function in this context, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the assumptions made about the partition function and its application to quantum states, as well as the definitions of classical versus quantum physics in this scenario.

Gavroy
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hi

i asked myself, is it correct to use the ordinary partition function and cut it off at some value to describe the atom at some finite temperature? or is there a better way to do this calculation?

and if i evaluate the partition function for let me say n=2. does this mean, that the probability of finding the atom in the states 2s, 2px, 2py, 2pz is the same for each state or are there any differences?
 
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How is this classical physics?
 
well it is both: quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.

but i guess, the last one is the dominant part here...
 
Partition functions are not introduced in Thermodynamics.
 

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