Problem 6.5 (Schroeder’s Intro to Thermal Physics)

Problem 6.5

Imagine a particle that can be in only three states, with energies -0.05 eV, 0, and 0.05 eV. This particle is in equilibrium with a reservoir at 300 K.

(a) Calculate the partition function for this particle.
(b) Calculate the probability for this particle to be in each of the three states.
(c) Because the zero point for measuring energies is arbitrary, we could just as well say that the energies of the three states are 0, +0.05 eV, and +0.10 eV, respectively. Repeat parts (a) and (b) using these numbers. Explain what changes and what doesn’t.

Solution:

Problem 6.5 Solution (Download)

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