In statistical mechanics, the statistical weight is the relative probability (possibly unnormalized) of a particular feature of a state. If the energy associated with the feature is ΔE, the statistical weight is given by the Boltzmann factor e-ΔE/kT, where k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature in kelvin.
The statistical weight is a convenient shorthand that is often used in transfer matrix solutions of problems in statistical mechanics.
Famous quotes containing the word weight:
“You will trail across the rocks
and wash them with your salt,
you will curl between sand-hills
you will thunder along the cliff
break retreat get fresh strength
gather and pour weight upon the beach.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)
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