Canonical thermal ensemble
Fixed-temperature equilibrium weights states by energy.
Key knowledge
At canonical equilibrium with fixed particle number and volume, discrete energy microstates have p_n = e^(−βE_n)/Z, where β = 1/(k_BT) and Z = Σ_n e^(−βE_n). Degenerate states are counted separately.
Values and equations
p_n = e^(−βE_n)/Z; Z = Σ_n e^(−βE_n); β = 1/(k_BT)
- p_n
- Probability of an energy microstate
- E_n
- Microstate energy J
- Z
- Discrete partition function
- β
- Inverse thermal energy J⁻¹
- k_B
- Boltzmann constant J K⁻¹
- T
- Temperature K
Conditions and scope
- T > 0, equilibrium weak thermal coupling and a finite partition sum.
- This discrete form does not replace the appropriate phase-space measure for continuous classical states.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
IISc slides 14–17: β and Boltzmann weights; Oxford section 2 equation 21: quantum Gibbs ensemble.
2026-10-10 · Canonical equilibrium weights only; ensemble equivalence and thermalization dynamics excluded.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-canonical-ensemble
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion