Physics · Advanced university
Excited-state population with degeneracy · formula reference
The probability refers to the whole excited level, including all its degenerate states.
Formula
The probability refers to the whole excited level, including all its degenerate states.
Pexc = g e^(−Δ/kBT) / Z
Worked example
For a two-level canonical model with ground degeneracy 1, excited degeneracy 7 and Δ/(kBT)=1.7, find the total probability of being in the excited level. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed.
Normalize the excited weight 7e^(−1.7) by 1+7e^(−1.7).
0.5612
Prerequisites and checking
Algebra, calculus and the stated physical model. Keep units and rounding consistent. State the model conditions before applying the formula.
Further reading and review references
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