In the expression, S = k In W, W is caled the number of microstates. Explain clearly the meaning of the word "microstate", and why a system under a given set of conditions normally has many microstates.

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2. In the expression, \( S = k \ln W \), \( W \) is called the number of microstates. Explain clearly the meaning of the word "microstate", and why a system under a given set of conditions normally has many microstates.
Transcribed Image Text:2. In the expression, \( S = k \ln W \), \( W \) is called the number of microstates. Explain clearly the meaning of the word "microstate", and why a system under a given set of conditions normally has many microstates.
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The system can exist in a discrete (but possibly infinite) set of microstates. A microstate defines the values of all possible microscopic variables.

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