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.

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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.

 

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