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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / How was Absolute Zero discovered?
« on: 03/08/2011 16:43:44 »Now, I don't see a great difference here. If you set N = hv/(ehv/kT -1) = 0 then you still end up with the same result.
The derivation of the ZPE of a single quantum harmonic oscillator is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_harmonic_oscillator
There is a huge difference because: 1) N is an integer for the harmonic oscillator, while N in your above equation isn't, and 2) these are completely different physical situations. Yours is, from what I recall, an expression for the energy density of a black body radiator. A quantum harmonic oscillator is completely different.
Thank you for the link. I will take back what I said about the equation. I admit it is based on a flaw, an incorrect application.