On the Quantum Correction For Thermodynamic Equilibrium

Abstract

The probability of a configuration is given in classical theory by the Boltzmann formula $\exp [-\frac{V}{\mathrm{hT}}]$ where $V$ is the potential energy of this configuration. For high temperatures this of course also holds in quantum theory. For lower temperatures, however, a correction term has to be introduced, which can be developed into a power series of $h$. The formula is developed for this correction by means of a probability function and the result discussed.