The quantity $Z$ in the expression $\operatorname{Pr}(E)=Z^{-1} e^{-E / k_{B} T}$ must be
A) always greater than 1 .
B) always less than 1 .
C) It could be either greater than or less than 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The quantity $Z$ is known as the partition function in statistical mechanics. It is a normalization factor that ensures the probabilities sum to 1. Its value depends on the system being studied (e.g., the energy levels available to the system and the temperature), so it can be either greater than or less than 1.

The Quantity ZZZ In the Expression Pr⁡(E)=Z−1e−E/kBT\operatorname{Pr}(E)=Z^{-1} e^{-E / k_{B} T}Pr(E)=Z−1e−E/kB​T Must Be A) Always Greater Than 1

The Quantity $Z$ In the Expression $\operatorname{Pr}(E)=Z^{-1} e^{-E / k_{B} T}$ Must Be
A) Always Greater Than 1