Probability at a temperature T that a system has a particular energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of a small system with two normal modes of vibration, characterized by natural frequencies $$\omega_1$$ and $$\omega_2=2\omega_1$$, having an energy less than $$5\omega_1/2$$ at a temperature T. The probability is expressed using the Boltzmann factor, p ~ exp(-E/kT), where E is related to the vibrational modes. The zero of energy is defined at T=0, which is crucial for understanding the energy distribution in statistical mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with normal modes of vibration
  • Knowledge of the Boltzmann distribution
  • Basic concepts of thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Boltzmann distribution in detail
  • Explore the concept of normal modes in small systems
  • Learn about energy quantization in statistical mechanics
  • Investigate the implications of temperature on energy distributions
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in statistical mechanics, physicists studying thermodynamic systems, and anyone interested in the behavior of small systems with vibrational modes.

Hector Triana
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Salutations, I'm starting in statistical mechanics and reviewing some related studying cases I would like to understand what occurs in small systems with normal modes of vibration, for example, a small system that has 2 normal modes of vibration, with natural frequencies $$\omega_1$$ and $$\omega_2=2\omega_1$$. So, what would be the probability at a temperature T that the system would get an energy less than $$5\omega_1/2$$? if it's assumed the zero of energy is taken as its value at $$T=0$$
I would like any guidance for better understanding of that kind of cases because those problems are very interesting, specially how to approach them.

Thanks for your attention.
 
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p ~ exp(-E/kT), E ~ omega^2
 
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