Equipartition theorem: Difference between revisions
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The Theorem of the Equipartition of [[energy]] is a construct of [[classical mechanics]] and was first introduced by [[James Clerk Maxwell]] (1831-1879). It sates: | The Theorem of the Equipartition of [[energy]] is a construct of [[classical mechanics]] and was first introduced by [[James Clerk Maxwell]] (1831-1879). It sates: | ||
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Simple [[particles]] such as a monoatomic [[gas]] for instance will have three degrees of freedom, one for each [[dimension]] of potential movement. More complex molecules can have more degrees of freedom. | Simple [[particles]] such as a monoatomic [[gas]] for instance will have three degrees of freedom, one for each [[dimension]] of potential movement. More complex molecules can have more degrees of freedom. | ||
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Revision as of 14:47, 2 January 2008
The Theorem of the Equipartition of energy is a construct of classical mechanics and was first introduced by James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). It sates:
"Every kind of molecule has a particular number of degrees of freedom f which are independent ways in which it can store energy. Each such degree of freedom has associated with it, on average, an energy of per molecule or per mole, where k is the Boltzmann constant, R is the molar gas constant and T is temperature in kelvin."[1].
Degrees of freedom can be translational, rotational, or oscillatory.
Simple particles such as a monoatomic gas for instance will have three degrees of freedom, one for each dimension of potential movement. More complex molecules can have more degrees of freedom.
- ↑ Fundamentals of Physics, Fourth Edition by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker p591