Question About the signifficance of energy

In summary, energy is of significant importance in statistical physics because the momentum and angular momentum of a closed system depend on its motion as a whole, while energy does not depend on that motion. This means that the statistical state of a system executing a given motion only depends on its energy. This is why energy is crucial in determining the distribution function. Additionally, the momentum of a system is dependent on its bulk motion, while angular momentum behaves similarly to energy in terms of intrinsic and bulk components. In the equations for the galilean and centre of mass systems, it is clear that only momentum relies entirely on the motion of the system as a whole, while angular momentum and energy have non-zero intrinsic parts. This non-correlation between energy and bulk
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FNL
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In the course of theoretical physics by Landau et Lifshitz volume 05 §4 (the signifficance of energy ) we have:
"
The momentum and angular momentum of a closed system depend on its motion as a whole (uniform translation and uniform rotation). We can therefore say that the statistical state of a system executing a given motion depends only on its energy. In consequence, energy is of exceptional importance in statistical physics.
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My question , or what I can't understand is how it comes that (momentum and angular momentum of a closed system depend on its motion as a whole); while energy does not depend on that motion in order to get that importance for the distrubtion function?
 
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  • #2
The second sentence does not follow from the first... you need another statement to add to it. What does "statistical state" mean here?

But per your question: the momentum of a system is the velocity of it's center of mass multiplied by it's mass right? ie. the system momentum depends on it's bulk motion. If no motion, then momentum zero.
You can also derive the bulk momentum from the momentum of it's constituents.
 
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  • #3
Thank you for the response.
It's just that seeming non-correlation between the two sentences what make me confused.

By the way what you have said about momentum does not apply to angular momentum, angular momentum comport like energy when one talks about the decomposition of motion into intrinsic and bulk ones.

I'll write the equations that related the galilean and the centre of mass systems (in the usual notation):

P= P'+MV =MV (P'=0 In CM frame)
L=L'+R×MV
E=E'+1/2MV² (for isolated system)As one can see it's only momentum whose depends entirely on the motion of the system as a bulk. angular momentum like energy have a non-zero intrinsic part.
 

FAQ: Question About the signifficance of energy

1. What is the significance of energy in everyday life?

Energy is essential for all living beings and plays a crucial role in our daily activities. It is the driving force behind all physical processes and allows us to perform tasks such as walking, cooking, and using electronic devices. Without energy, life as we know it would not be possible.

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There are many forms of energy, including thermal (heat), chemical, electrical, nuclear, and radiant (light). Energy can also be classified as potential or kinetic. Potential energy is stored energy, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion.

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Energy can be produced in various ways, including through the burning of fossil fuels, nuclear reactions, and renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. The process of producing energy often involves converting one form of energy into another.

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