Callen H.B - Thermodynamics And An Introduction To Thermostatistics · Problem 16.5-5

THE CANONICAL FORMALISM; STATISTICAL MECHANICS IN HELMHOLTZ REPRESENTATION

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · harmonic-oscillator-odd-quantum-number-probability

Problem

Calculate the probability that a harmonic oscillator of natural frequency ω0\omega_0 is in a state of odd quantum number (n=1,3,5,…n = 1, 3, 5, \ldots) at temperature TT. To what values do you expect this probability to reduce in the limits of zero and infinite temperature? Show that your result conforms to these limiting values. Find the dominant behavior of the probability PoddP_{\text{odd}} near T=0T = 0 and in the high temperature region.

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