Tnermodynamics: Ground states and entropy

[Niles]

Homework Statement

Hi all.

If a system will settle into a state where the entropy is at a maximum, then why is it that the electrons in an atom will always settle for the lowest energy state, and not have an equal propability of being in either state?

Is it because the entropy of the system+surroundings in maximized this way?

 

[Niles]

Ok, I was correct. The total entropy is maximixed this way. See the following link:

http://www.Newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem07/chem07003.htm