Equipartition theorm

[405993422]

How do I know when to use the Equipartition theorem? For instance, when the volume isn't changing and work therefore equals 0 so we only look at heat vs when volume is constant and we use the theorem.

[106052916]

You use when analyzing systems with thermal energy distributed among various degrees of freedom, such as the translational, rotational, and vibrational motion of molecules---gas law problems, systems w/ multiple df, calculating internal energy, constant volume vs pressure, understanding specific heat capacities.

[nyireess]

Use the Equipartition Theorem when dealing with classical systems at high temperatures with degrees of freedom, especially in situations where volume is constant and work is negligible. Avoid relying on this in cases involving low temperatures, quantum effects, or real gases where classical approximations may not hold.