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A Simple Derivation of the Boltzmann Distribution
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Abstract
The Boltzmann distribution is a central concept in chemistry and its derivation is usually a key component of introductory statistical mechanics courses. However, the derivation, as outlined in most standard physical chemistry textbooks, can be a particularly daunting task for undergraduate students because of the mathematical and conceptual difficulties involved in its presentation. A simple alternative derivation that links familiar concepts from thermodynamics to concepts from statistical mechanics is presented here.
Keywords (Audience):
Upper-Division UndergraduateKeywords (Domain):
Physical ChemistryKeywords (Subject):
Statistical MechanicsCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 7 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
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Evguenii I. KozliakJournal of Chemical Education2004 81 (11), 1595Several problems that hinder optimal communication with students in the conventional introduction to thermodynamics are identified. Even though students from their first course focus on chemistry as a molecular science, most texts in physical chemistry ...
The Microscopic Statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Igor NovakJournal of Chemical Education2003 80 (12), 1428The Microscopic Statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Igor NovakJournal of Chemical Education2003 80 (12), 1428The teaching of basic concepts in thermodynamics is described from the microscopic point of view, that is, using only particle energies and level populations as descriptors.
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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