Degeneracy

$\Delta S = \frac{q_{rev}}{T}$

Brandon Mo 4K
Posts: 70
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

Degeneracy

How do we find the degeneracy of something? I am confused on how we are supposed to use the equation.

David S
Posts: 54
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

Re: Degeneracy

The degeneracy of a system is basically the number of ways you can arrange the components of the system (molecules, atoms, etc.) while keeping the energy level of the system constant.

In the simple cases we covered in class (Atoms A and B being in the left or right flask), degeneracy (W) = (# of possible states)^(# of particles that can take on those states) case. So in the in class example with two particles, A and B, and two states that each particle can occupy, left and right, W= 2^2.

We then can get our W value and relate it to entropy (S) with the following equation: $S=k_{b}*ln(W)$

I doubt we will be asked to calculate the degeneracy of any system that is more complicated than that in-class example system. If anything, the number of states or particles involved might be more (e.g. 3 atoms that can each be in a top, bottom, left, or right flask)