latentcorpse said:P(E_i)=e^{-E_i/kT}/(sum_j e^{-E_j/kT})
Was stuck at this too! I get it now. Thanks!Redbelly98 said:Use this ↑ equation to write an expression for the ratio:
P(E=-ε) / P(E=+ε)
Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to explain the behavior and properties of systems made up of a large number of particles. It helps us understand how macroscopic properties, such as temperature and pressure, arise from the microscopic interactions between particles.
Particles with energy 0 are particles that are in their lowest possible energy state. In statistical mechanics, this is often referred to as the ground state. At this energy level, particles are in their most stable configuration and do not have any additional energy to transfer or interact with other particles.
Statistical mechanics uses probability distributions and thermodynamic principles to describe the behavior of particles with energy 0. It helps us understand how these particles move and interact with each other, and how their collective behavior gives rise to macroscopic properties such as temperature and pressure.
In most cases, particles with energy 0 are in a state of minimal or no motion. However, in quantum mechanics, even particles in their ground state can exhibit some movement due to the uncertainty principle. This means that while the average energy of the particles is 0, there may still be some fluctuations or quantum movements present.
Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In statistical mechanics, particles with energy 0 contribute to the overall entropy of a system by limiting the available energy states and reducing the degree of disorder. As the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero, the entropy also approaches zero due to the particles being in their lowest energy state.