Boltzmann Statistics

Boltzmann statistics describe how particles like atoms and molecules distribute themselves among different energy states at a given temperature. In essence, they predict that most particles will occupy lower energy levels, but some will have enough thermal energy to be in higher states. The likelihood of a particle being in a specific energy state depends on that state's energy and the temperature: higher temperatures allow more particles to access higher energy levels. This statistical approach helps scientists understand behaviors in gases, solids, and other systems, explaining phenomena like heat capacity and reaction rates based on how particles distribute their energy.