Can this be explained using statistical mechanics only?

In summary, The conversation discusses finding the photon energy distribution in a closed cube box containing 100 photons with a mirror on the left, a glass in between, and a black right side. The speaker asks if quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics are needed to explain the distribution and states that Planck's law is used to derive it.
  • #1
Christian Grey
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I want to find photon energy distribution, let's say in a closed cube box,there are 100 photons(suppose 1 photon contains 1 Joule),and there's a mirror on left side and then there's a glass in between and the right side is completely black. I want to find photon energy distribution(like how much energy is at specific point inside the box) inside this box? And do we need quantum mechanics along with statistical mechanics to explain photon energy distribution,like to find how many photons will be reflected or refracted due to mirror and glass or this can be explained using statistical mechanics only?
 
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  • #2
In thermal equilibrium, the distribution of photon energies will be given by Planck's law

To derive the Planck distribution you need quantum statistical mechanics.
 
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Related to Can this be explained using statistical mechanics only?

1. Can statistical mechanics be used to explain all physical phenomena?

Statistical mechanics is a powerful tool for understanding the behavior of large systems of particles, but it is not capable of explaining all physical phenomena. Some phenomena, such as quantum mechanics and general relativity, require different theoretical frameworks to fully explain.

2. What is the difference between classical and quantum statistical mechanics?

Classical statistical mechanics deals with macroscopic systems at thermal equilibrium, while quantum statistical mechanics takes into account the discrete nature of energy levels in quantum systems. Additionally, quantum statistical mechanics is needed to describe systems at low temperatures and small scales.

3. How does statistical mechanics relate to thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is a macroscopic approach to understanding the behavior of matter and energy, while statistical mechanics is a microscopic approach. However, statistical mechanics can be used to derive the laws of thermodynamics and explain the underlying physical processes that give rise to them.

4. What is the role of probability in statistical mechanics?

Probability plays a central role in statistical mechanics by describing the likelihood of different microscopic states of a system. Through statistical mechanics, the behavior of a large system can be explained by considering the probabilities of the individual particles that make up the system.

5. Can statistical mechanics predict the exact behavior of a system?

No, statistical mechanics can only predict the average behavior of a large system. This is due to the inherent randomness and uncertainty at the microscopic level, which makes it impossible to precisely predict the behavior of individual particles in a system.

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