Statistical Mechanics

1. classical thermo- dynamics 2. 0th law of ther- modynamics describes macroscopic systems in equilibrium in terms of a few measurable variables If two systems are in thermodynamic equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other. 3. thermoscope a precursor to the thermometer - if the third body from the 0th law is heated and changes visibly, then it can be used as one of these to verify equality of temperature or to rank bodies according to temperatu...

1. classical thermo- dynamics 2. 0th law of ther- modynamics describes macroscopic systems in equilibrium in terms of a few measurable variables If two systems are in thermodynamic equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other. 3. thermoscope a precursor to the thermometer - if the third body from the 0th law is heated and changes visibly, then it can be used as one of these to verify equality of temperature or to rank bodies according to temperatu...

1. Why is internal energy important to statistical mechanics? 2. What is the hypothesis in statistical mechanics in closed system? Internal energy gives the probable energy levels of particles/mole- cules in the system. Microstates of the same energy are equally likely. In other words, all microstates in an isolated system have the same proba- bility. 3. What is a 1-D phase state diagram? A phase state dia- gram is the momen- tum vs. distance dia- gram used to describe microstates. ...