Using Boltzmann distribution law to find Temperature (1% of photons> 1eV)

In summary, the conversation discusses using the Boltzmann distribution function to calculate the temperature at which 1.00% of a population of photons will have energy greater than 1.00 eV, given that the energy required to excite an atom is on the order of 1 eV. The attempt at a solution presents a calculation using the given information, but only solves for the temperature at which 1% of photons are at 2eV and not greater than 1eV.
  • #1
physicsofpeac
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Homework Statement



Use the Boltzmann distribution function to calculate the temperature at which 1.00% of a population of photons will have energy greater than 1.00 eV. The energy required to excite an atom is on the order of 1 eV.


The Attempt at a Solution



I attached my attempt but it only solves for temperature at which 1% of photons are at 2eV. I have no idea to find temperature at which 1% of photons are greater than 1eV.
 

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  • #2
\begin{align}1.00\% &= \frac{N_{2eV}}{N}\\1.00\% &= \frac{e^{-2/kT}}{e^{-1/kT} + e^{-2/kT}}\\1.00\% &= e^{-2/kT}\\\log(0.01) &= -2/kT\\T &= -\frac{2}{k\log(0.01)}\end{align}
 

FAQ: Using Boltzmann distribution law to find Temperature (1% of photons> 1eV)

How does the Boltzmann distribution law relate to finding temperature?

The Boltzmann distribution law is a statistical law that describes the distribution of particles in a system at thermal equilibrium. The law states that the ratio of the number of particles in a higher energy state to the number of particles in a lower energy state is equal to the ratio of the energy difference between the two states to the temperature of the system. This means that by measuring the energy levels of particles, we can use this law to calculate the temperature of the system.

What is the significance of 1% of photons having an energy greater than 1eV?

1eV (electron volt) is a unit of energy commonly used in the study of atoms and molecules. It is equivalent to approximately 1.6 x 10^-19 joules. By setting the threshold at 1% of photons having an energy greater than 1eV, we are focusing on the high energy tail of the distribution, which is important for understanding the temperature of the system.

How do we measure the energy levels of particles in a system?

The energy levels of particles can be measured using various techniques such as spectroscopy, which involves analyzing the light emitted or absorbed by the particles. This allows us to determine the energy levels of the particles and use the Boltzmann distribution law to calculate the temperature.

Can the Boltzmann distribution law be applied to any system?

Yes, the Boltzmann distribution law is a fundamental law of statistical mechanics and can be applied to any system in thermal equilibrium, regardless of its size or complexity. This includes systems such as gases, liquids, and solids.

What are some limitations of using the Boltzmann distribution law to find temperature?

One limitation is that the law assumes that the system is in thermal equilibrium, meaning that the temperature is constant throughout the system. Additionally, the law only applies to systems with a large number of particles, so it may not be accurate for systems with a small number of particles. Other factors such as external forces and interactions between particles can also affect the accuracy of the temperature calculation.

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