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binbagsss
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In general when one talks about an idealized gas, should/could one assume it is non-relativistic? (s.t E=p^2/2m will hold)
many thanks
many thanks
Unless explicitly told otherwise, I would always assume a non-relativistic regime.binbagsss said:In general when one talks about an idealized gas, should/could one assume it is non-relativistic? (s.t E=p^2/2m will hold)
Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to study the behavior of large systems of particles, such as gases, liquids, and solids.
An idealized gas is a theoretical model that assumes certain properties of gas particles, such as being point-like, having no interactions with each other, and obeying certain laws of motion.
We assume an idealized gas is non-relativistic because the speeds of gas particles are much lower than the speed of light, and thus the effects of relativity on their motion are negligible.
Assuming an idealized gas is non-relativistic neglects the effects of relativity on the motion of gas particles, which can become significant at very high velocities. It also ignores the interactions between gas particles, which can affect the behavior of the gas.
Statistical mechanics has many applications in various fields, including thermodynamics, chemistry, and material science. It is used to understand the behavior of gases, liquids, and solids, and to predict their properties and interactions. It is also used in the study of phase transitions, chemical reactions, and the behavior of complex systems.