Boltzmann Equation

[305926758]

This may be a silly question, but when do we know to use the Boltzmann Equation? What type of question will require us to use an equation that determines the relationship between degeneracy and entropy?

[Lauren Kim]

This isn't a totally comprehensive answer, but any question where you are given one and need to calculate the other would require use of the Boltzmann equation. For example, if a question gives you an enthalpy value and asks for the corresponding degeneracy, you would use it. Also, if a question gave you a compound, like the CO example from class, and asks for entropy, you would first need to calculate the degeneracy and then use that to find the entropy.

[Viviana Hsiao 1G]

You use the Boltzmann Equation to find the residual entropy. The Boltzmann Equation shows the relationship between degeneracy and residual entropy, so you'd use it in a question where you can find the number of orientations/states and from there, the residual entropy of the molecule.