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Challenge: Problem 4

The Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics have limitations, but are nevertheless valid for many systems. More important, the basic conceptions on which the statistics is based appear to be sound. There are, in the RESPONSE ARRAY, items which refer to general concepts that are valid for all kinds of statistics-including those suitable for the electron gas, for example. These concepts enable us to make a start in using certain mathematical techniques, and they also raise very fundamental questions. If you are puzzled by any of the key concepts, you may in fact be already asking the various questions which need to be asked if you are to gain understanding. Choose just five items which for you represent the most fundamental concepts and problems of understanding.

1
break up of material particles into smaller particles 2
momentum or velocity space 3
energy cells that accommodate only one particle at a time 4
number of arrangements corresponding to the distribution of energy 5
mass of particles

6
translational kinetic energy 7
average thermal energy of a particle is an integral multiple of 1/2 kT 8
number of particles possible in a particular energy cell 9
internal energy states of particles 10
at absolute zero, entropy is zero

11
state of greatest probability 12
number of degrees of freedom for thermal energy 13
rotational energy 14
intrinsic structure of energy cells, such as their size and the "separation" betweeen them 15
= ( 1 / kT )

16
zero point energy of a system 17
vibrational energy 18
effective continuum of energy states 19
internal energy is the sum of the energies of the particles 20
thermal equilibrium entails maximum entropy