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Estimate the partition function for the hypothetical system represented in Figure 6.3. Then estimate the probability of this system being in its ground state.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Hence the partition function isz≈3and the probability isP=13

Step by step solution

01

Given information

The partition function for the hypothetical system represented in Figure 6.3

02

Explanation

Consider figure 6.3, where the x axis represents energy and the y axis represents probability. Because the system's ground state has an energy of 0, the height of the bar at this point must be 1, hence the real height of the bar indicates the unit of length we'll use to solve the problem. Because the sum of the heights of the nine bars is about 13 cm, the sum of the heights must be this number divided by 44 cm in relation to the first bar; this is known as the partition function (the summation of the Boltzmann factors), so:

Z=13cm4.4cm=2.95≈3Z≈3

The probability is:

P=1Ze-E(s)/kT

At ground state E(s)=0, hence

P=1Z=13P=13

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