Question

In statistical thermodynamics, Stirling's Approximation ($\ln N! \approx N \ln N - N$) is valid only when

• A. N is a small integer
• B. N is very large
• C. The system is at 0 K
• D. The gas behaves non-ideally

Hint:

Stirling's approximation is essential for deriving Boltzmann's entropy formula ($S = k_B \ln \Omega$).
It works because macroscopic thermodynamic systems always have an extremely large number of particles ($N \approx 10^{23}$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B