1. Which of the ensemble states in the table with our example will come
closest to describing the actual distribution?
(A) Ensemble state I, because it leaves the most molecules in the ground state.
(B) Ensemble state II, because it has the largest number of ways in which it can be realized.
(C) Ensemble state III, because it distributes energy most evenly between the molecules.
ensemble state
mol. state I II
III 3 A B C 2 1
ABC 0 BC AC AB

2. Which of the ensemble states in the table with our example will come
closest to describing the actual distribution?
(A) Ensemble state I, because it leaves the most molecules in the ground state.
(B) Ensemble state II, because it has the largest number of ways in which it can be realized, …it has the largest statistical weight!
(C) Ensemble state III, because it distributes energy most evenly between the molecules.
ensemble state
mol. state I II
III 3 A B C 2 1
ABC 0 BC AC AB

3. Can the entropy of a system ever decrease?
(A) Yes.
(B) No.

4. Can the entropy of a system ever decrease?
(A) Yes. By heat transfer to surroundings. Only the entropy of the universe or of an isolated system cannot decrease!
(B) No.