Question

The Boltzmann distribution in statistical mechanics gives us an idea of what the ratio of population of atoms between two energy states within an atom will be at a given temperature given the energy difference between the two states. Reading a source on spectroscopy, and it asks to calculate (using the boltzmann distribution law) what the ratio of population in the ground and excited states will be after an absorption of radiation of frequency 500 MHz radiation at 298 K. Is it not the population ratiopriorto absorption that the Boltzmann distribution tells us? Is it not incorrect to apply the boltzmann distribution to determine the population ratio of the two states after absorption?

Answer 1

The Boltzmann distribution in statistical mechanics is used to calculate the population ratio of atoms between two energy states within an atom at a given temperature. The distribution calculates the relative population of states before an absorption of radiation, not after. Therefore, it is incorrect to apply the Boltzmann distribution to determine the population ratio of the two states after absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Boltzmann distribution in statistical mechanics provides information about the population ratio of atoms between two energy states within an atom at a given temperature. The distribution calculates the relative population of states before an absorption of radiation, not after. Therefore, it is incorrect to apply the Boltzmann distribution to determine the population ratio of the two states after absorption.

The distribution calculates the relative population of states before an absorption of radiation, not after. Therefore, it is incorrect to apply the Boltzmann distribution to determine the population ratio of the two states after absorption. The Boltzmann distribution is used to understand the equilibrium distribution of populations before any changes occur.