Problem 1: For this problem, assume we are referring to the sun, and that the temperature for the surface of the sun is equal to 6000 Kelvin. What is ?F = Fe - Fg for a single hydrogen atom within the sun, where Fg is equal to the Helmholtz free energy of the ground state and Fe is equal to the Helmholtz free energy of the excited state. Is the excited state or the ground state the more stable state? Explain why.
Problem 2: Some of the smallest and highest temperature stars in the universe can reach temperatures of up to 400,000 Kelvin. For these stars, what is ?F equal to? Is the excited state or the ground state the more stable state? Explain why.
Problem 3: At what temperature is it the case that both the excited state and the ground state are equally stable?