A Volume constraint in micro-canonical derivation of statistical physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the role of volume constraints in the micro-canonical ensemble of statistical physics. It highlights that while the total volume of the system is stated to be constant, this constraint is not explicitly applied in deriving distributions. The participants suggest that introducing a volume constraint is necessary to ensure the system remains closed, particularly when energy levels depend on volume changes. The relationship between energy levels and volume is emphasized, noting that fixed energy levels imply a constant volume. Overall, the conversation seeks clarification on the implications of volume constraints in the micro-canonical framework.
Philip Koeck
Gold Member
Messages
801
Reaction score
229
Another question about the use of the micro-canonical ensemble in deriving distributions.

On the Wikipedia-page the authors mention that the total volume of the system has to be constant.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bose–Einstein_statistics#Derivation_from_the_microcanonical_ensemble

On the other hand this statement is not used as a constraint or in any other way that I can see.

In a way it would however make sense to introduce a volume constraint in order to make sure the system is closed.
If V is not constant (meaning W is not zero), but U is constant, then Q is not zero and the system is not closed (at least for an ideal gas).

Does anybody know about volume constraints in the microcanonical picture?
 
Science news on Phys.org
In E = ∑niεi one has generally E = ∑niεi(N,V). Each εi changes in a continuous manner if V is vhanged infinetely slowly.
 
Last edited:
Lord Jestocost said:
In E = ∑niεi one has generally E = ∑niεi(N,V). Each εi changes in a continuous manner if V is vhanged infinetely slowly.
So the volume constraint is not used explicitly, but if the energy levels ei depend on the volume then the assumption of fixed energy levels implies a constant volume.
Is that correct?
 
One can see it in this way.
 
I need to calculate the amount of water condensed from a DX cooling coil per hour given the size of the expansion coil (the total condensing surface area), the incoming air temperature, the amount of air flow from the fan, the BTU capacity of the compressor and the incoming air humidity. There are lots of condenser calculators around but they all need the air flow and incoming and outgoing humidity and then give a total volume of condensed water but I need more than that. The size of the...
Thread 'Why work is PdV and not (P+dP)dV in an isothermal process?'
Let's say we have a cylinder of volume V1 with a frictionless movable piston and some gas trapped inside with pressure P1 and temperature T1. On top of the piston lay some small pebbles that add weight and essentially create the pressure P1. Also the system is inside a reservoir of water that keeps its temperature constant at T1. The system is in equilibrium at V1, P1, T1. Now let's say i put another very small pebble on top of the piston (0,00001kg) and after some seconds the system...
I was watching a Khan Academy video on entropy called: Reconciling thermodynamic and state definitions of entropy. So in the video it says: Let's say I have a container. And in that container, I have gas particles and they're bouncing around like gas particles tend to do, creating some pressure on the container of a certain volume. And let's say I have n particles. Now, each of these particles could be in x different states. Now, if each of them can be in x different states, how many total...
Back
Top