Question 02: State clearly what you mean by the principal of equipartition of energy. Explain the term ‘Degree of freedom’ in this connection.
Answer: The principle of equipartition of energy be state as follows –
The total energy of any dynamical system in thermally equilibrium is divided equally among all its degree of freedom. The energy associated with each degree of freedom is ½ KT. Where K is the Boltzmann’s constant.
In general, ‘degree of freedom’ of any dynamical system may be termed as the total number of in-depended co-ordinates needed for completely describing the state of motion of the total system.
For Example: If a body is contained to move X axis only, it has one degree of freedom. If it moves in on X-Y plane, it has two degree of freedom. Again If it moves in an X-Y-Z place, it has three degree of freedom.
