Boltzmann distribution: Difference between revisions
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The '''Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function''' is a function ''f(E)'' which gives the | The '''Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function''' is a function ''f(E)'' which gives the | ||
probability that a | probability that a system in contact with a thermal bath at temperature ''T'' has energy | ||
and is used to describe ''identical'' but ''distinguishable'' particles. | ''E''. This distribution is ''classical'' and is used to describe systems with ''identical'' | ||
but ''distinguishable'' particles. | |||
:<math>f(E) = \frac{1}{ | :<math>f(E) = \frac{1}{Z} \exp(-E/k_B T)</math> | ||
where '' | where the normalization constant ''Z'' is the [[partition function]] of the system. | ||
[[Category: Statistical mechanics]] | [[Category: Statistical mechanics]] | ||
Revision as of 19:29, 20 May 2007
The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function is a function f(E) which gives the probability that a system in contact with a thermal bath at temperature T has energy E. This distribution is classical and is used to describe systems with identical but distinguishable particles.
where the normalization constant Z is the partition function of the system.