Suppose that an atom has two energy levels separated by an energy difference ?E. When such atoms are in thermal contact with a reservoir at temperature T, there is roughly 1 atom in the higher state for every 4 in the lower state. What is the approximate ratio of ?E to kBT?

A.

B. 4

C. ln 4

D. ?ln 4

E. e?1/4

F. e?4

T. Other (specify)


C. ln 4

Physics & Space Science

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