Super classical quantum mechanics: The best interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics
It has been shown that Newtonian classical mechanics (NCM) suffers from several kinds of chaotic indeterminacies. That means, a large set of problems treated with NCM gives results which are in wild d...
It has been shown that Newtonian classical mechanics (NCM) suffers from several kinds of chaotic indeterminacies. That means, a large set of problems treated with NCM gives results which are in wild d...
The charge distribution on a conductor for non-Coulombic potentials
We study the distribution of charge on a conductor for Yukawa (e–µr/r) and power-law (1/rn) potentials. In the Yukawa case some charge goes to the surface, while the remainder distributes u...
We study the distribution of charge on a conductor for Yukawa (e–µr/r) and power-law (1/rn) potentials. In the Yukawa case some charge goes to the surface, while the remainder distributes u...
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The elusive chemical potential
American Journal of Physics -- April 2001 -- Volume 69, Issue 4, pp. 423-434
Issue Date: April 2001
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KEYWORDS and PACS
- 01.50.-i
Communication, education, history, and philosophy Educational aids - 05.70.-a
Statistical physics, thermodynamics, and nonlinear dynamical systems Thermodynamics (see also 64 Equations of state, phase equilibria, and phase transitions, and 65 Thermal properties of condensed matter; for chemical thermodynamics, see 82.60) - YEAR: 2001
PUBLICATION DATA
0002-9505 (print)
AAPT
This paper offers some qualitative understanding of the chemical potential, a topic that students invariably find difficult. Three "meanings" for the chemical potential are stated and then supported by analytical development. Two substantial applications—depression of the melting point and batteries—illustrate the chemical potential in action. The origin of the term "chemical potential" has its surprises, and a sketch of the history concludes the paper. ©2001 American Association of Physics Teachers.
| History: | Received 12 April 2000; accepted 10 October 2000 |
| Permalink: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.1336839 |