Volume constraint in micro-canonical derivation of statistical physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of volume constraints in the micro-canonical ensemble of statistical physics. Participants highlight that while the Wikipedia page on Bose-Einstein statistics mentions the necessity of a constant total volume, this constraint is not explicitly utilized in derivations. The conversation emphasizes that if the volume is not constant while energy remains fixed, the system cannot be considered closed, particularly in the context of ideal gases. The relationship between energy levels and volume is also noted, indicating that fixed energy levels imply a constant volume.

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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, particularly those specializing in statistical mechanics, as well as students and researchers interested in the micro-canonical ensemble and its applications in thermodynamics.

Philip Koeck
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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?
 
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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.
 

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