Search

partition function

mathematicphysiccomputer science

A "partition function" is a key concept in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and computer science, each with its specific applications.

🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

C1Mathematics

(academic, technical)A function that counts the number of distinct ways a positive integer can be expressed as the sum of other positive integers, ignoring the order.

Example

  • The partition function of the number 4 includes the combinations 4, 3+1, 2+2, 2+1+1, and 1+1+1+1.

C2Statistical Mechanics

(academic, technical)A function that sums over all possible states of a system, each weighted by the exponential of the negative of its energy divided by the product of Boltzmann's constant and the temperature.

Example

  • The partition function helps calculate the thermodynamic properties of a gas at equilibrium.

C1Computer Science

(technical)An algorithm that divides a data set or computational problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

Example

  • Using a partition function can optimize data processing in large databases.