Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments

Details Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments

2008-10-19

arxiv.org/abs/0810.3407v3

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

Typos in equations fixed. Reference list updated and corrected. Extended

Scientific paper

In bulk systems the calculation of the main thermodynamic quantities leads to the same expectation values in the thermodynamic limit, regardless of the choice of the statistical ensemble. Single linear molecules can be still regarded as statistical systems, where the thermodynamic limit is represented by infinitely long chains. The question of equivalence between different ensembles is not at all obvious and has been addressed in the literature, with sometimes contradicting conclusions. We address this problem by studying the scaling properties of the ensemble difference for two different chain models, as a function of the degree of polymerization. By characterizing the scaling behavior of the difference between the isotensional (Gibbs) and isometric (Helmholtz) ensembles in the transition from the low-stretching to the high-stretching regime, we show that ensemble equivalence cannot be reached for macroscopic chains in the low force regime, and we characterize the transition from the inequivalence to the equivalence regime.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ensemble Inequivalence in Single Molecule Experiments will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-232431