Friday, September 5th 3-4 pm McLane Hall 162

1
COLLOQUIUM
Dr. Sydney Bluestone Department of
Chemistry California State University, Fresno
Topics in Statistical Mechanics
Abstract Part 1 Introduction to Statistical
Thermodynamics Monte Carlo Simulation and
Partition Function Calculation. A Monte Carlo
simulation, which generates the distribution of
particles (localized harmonic oscillators) on a
set of equally spaced energy levels, leads to an
exponential distribution.  Statistical
thermodynamic properties are calculated and
compared to those obtained from the partition
function method. Part 2 The Planck Blackbody
Distribution Exercises using the Cosmic
Background Radiation Data. Exercises involve
finding the temperature of the Planck and Wien
distribution laws by fitting the experimental CBR
data to both radiation expressions.  Wien's
displacement law is also verified. The
computations utilize data from the most
significant and recent experiments in
astrophyisics.
Friday, September 5th 3-4 pmMcLane Hall 162