Stat Mech: distinguishable particles

In summary, the conversation discusses a system of 2 non-interacting distinguishable particles in thermal equilibrium at temperature T and with two possible energy states. The average number of particles in energy level E1 can be calculated using the Boltzmann factor and taking into account the role of distinguishability. The partition function for one particle, as well as for N particles, can be used to find the probability of being in a certain energy state and ultimately determine the average number of particles in that state. The answer is expected to be between 1 and 2 due to the likelihood of particles being in a lower energy state.
  • #1
erogard
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Homework Statement

Consider a system of 2 non interacting distinguishable particles in thermal equilibrium at temperature T, and which as two possible energy states available: E1 and E2>E1.

How would you go about finding the average number of particles in energy level E1, and in hight T limit?

The Attempt at a Solution



Is this equal to the ratio of its Gibbs function to the grand partition function? How does distinguishability affect the computation of the latter?

Also how would this result change with a system at equilibrium with a reservoir at T and chemical potential μ?

This seems like a standard SM problem but get can't get my head around it. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Use the Boltzmann factor to calculate the probabilities. Distinguishability plays a role because for identical particles there are only three available states (2,0), (1,1), and (0,2), where the first number is the occupation number of the first state and so on. If the particles are distinguishable there are four available states since each particle has to possible states.
 
  • #3
Find the partition function ##Z_1## of one particle. If N particles are non-interacting and distinguishable, what is the system's partition function?Since the partition function is the sum of all possible states, then probability of being in energy ##\epsilon_j## is ##\frac{exp(-\beta \epsilon_j)}{Z}##.

Given total number of N particles, How can you use this to find the average number of particles with energy ##\epsilon_j##?

(Hint: The answer is between 1 and 2, as the particles are more likely to be in a lower state of energy.)
 
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1. What is the difference between distinguishable particles and indistinguishable particles in statistical mechanics?

Distinguishable particles are those that can be uniquely identified and distinguished from each other, such as marbles or coins. Indistinguishable particles, on the other hand, are identical and cannot be differentiated based on their physical properties, such as electrons or atoms.

2. How are distinguishable particles treated in statistical mechanics?

In statistical mechanics, distinguishable particles are treated as separate entities with their own unique properties and energies. This means that the position and energy of each particle is considered individually and not affected by the other particles in the system.

3. What is the distinguishability factor in statistical mechanics?

The distinguishability factor, denoted as Ω, is a measure of the number of ways in which distinguishable particles can be arranged in a given system. It takes into account the different combinations and permutations of the particles and is used in calculating the entropy of the system.

4. How does the distinguishability of particles affect the entropy of a system?

The distinguishability of particles has a direct impact on the entropy of a system. In systems with distinguishable particles, the entropy increases as the number of particles increases due to the increase in the number of possible arrangements. In contrast, for indistinguishable particles, the entropy remains constant regardless of the number of particles.

5. Can distinguishable particles exhibit quantum effects in statistical mechanics?

Yes, even though distinguishable particles are treated as separate entities in statistical mechanics, they can still exhibit quantum behavior such as tunneling and interference. However, these effects are typically only observed at very low temperatures or in systems with a small number of particles.

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