Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
Statistical Physics for Computing
Distinguish between Descriptive Statistics and Inferential
statistics
Statistical physics is a branch of physics that evolved from a foundation of statistical
mechanics, which uses methods of probability theory and statistics, particularly the
mathematical tools for dealing with large populations and approximations, in solving
physical problems.
Descriptive statistics: The term “descriptive statistics” refers to summarizing and
organizing the characteristics of a data set. A data set is a collection of responses or
observations from a sample or entire population.
In quantitative research, after collecting data, the first step of statistical analysis is to
describe characteristics of the responses, such as the average of one variable (e.g., age),
or the relation between two variables (e.g., age and creativity).
Descriptive statistics comprises three main categories – Frequency Distribution,
Measures of Central Tendency, and Measures of Variability.
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
Inferential Statistics:
Inferential Statistics is a method that allows us to use information collected from a
sample to make decisions, predictions, or inferences from a population. The major
inferential statistics are based on statistical models such as Analysis of Variance, chi-
square test, student’s t distribution, regression analysis, etc.
Methods of inferential statistics:
• Estimation of parameters
• Testing of hypothesis
Explain the Poisson’s distribution with an example
Poisson Distribution If the probability p is so small that the function has
significant value only for very small k, then the distribution of events can be
approximated by the Poisson Distribution. Probability mass function A discrete Radom
variable X is said to have a Poisson distribution, with parameter , if it has a probability
Mass Function given by
Here k is the number of occurrences, e is Euler’s Number,! is the factorial function. The
positive real number λ is equal to the expected value of X and also to its Variance. The
Poisson distribution may be used in the design of experiments such as scattering
experiments where a small number of events are seen.
Example of probability for Poisson distributions On a particular river, overflow floods
occur once every 100 years on average. Calculate the probability of k = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
or 6 overflow floods in a 100 year interval, assuming the Poisson model is appropriate.
Because the average event rate is one overflow flood per 100 years, λ = 1
Discuss the modelling probability for proton decay
Proton decay
Proton decay is a rare type of radioactive decay of nuclei containing excess protons, in
which a proton is simply ejected from the nucleus. The mechanism of the decay process
is very similar to alpha decay. Proton decay is also a quantum tunneling process.
Modeling the Probability for Proton Decay
The probability of observing a proton decay can be estimated from the nature of particle
decay and the application of Poisson Statistics. The number of protons N can be modeled
by the decay equation
Where:
N0: is the initial quantity of the element
λ: is the radioactive decay constant
t: is time
N(t): is the quantity of the element remaining after time t.
Here 𝜆 = 1/𝑡 = 10−33/ 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 is the probability that any given proton will decay in a year.
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
Since the decay constant λ is so small, the exponential can be represented by the first two terms of the
Exponential Series.
Most recently the experiment on proton decay has been done by Super Kamiokande,
Japan which started observation in 1996. It is a large water Cherenkov detector which
is the most sensitive detector in the world used to examine proton decay with the huge
source with 7.5×1033 protons
For one year of observation, the number of expected proton decays is then
No-N = No λ t
Proton decay has not been detected experimentally till now probably because of fact that
the event is extremely rare. Assuming that λ = 3 observed decays per year is mean, then
the Poisson distribution function tells us that the probability for zero observations of
decay is
This low probability for a null result suggests that the proposed lifetime of 10 33 years is
too short.
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
Discuss the salient features of normal distribution using bell
curves
Normal Distribution:
The bell curve is a normal probability distribution of variables plotted on the graph and
is like a bell shape where the highest or top point of the curve represents the most
probable event out of all the series data.
CHARACTERISTICS
1. The Normal Curve is Symmetrical: The normal probability curve is symmetrical
around its vertical axis called ordinate which represents the mean of distribution. The
symmetry about the ordinate at the central point of the curve implies that the size,
shape, and slope of the curve on one side of the curve is identical to that of the other.
In other words, the left and right halves of the middle central point are mirror images,
as shown in the figure given here.
2. The Normal Curve is Unimodel: Since there is only one maximum point in the curve,
thus the normal probability curve is unimodal, i.e. it has only one mode.
3. The Normal Curve is Bilateral: The total area under the curve is 1, the 50% area of
the curve lies to the left side of the maximum central ordinate and 50% of the area lies
to the right side. Hence the curve is bilateral.
4. The Normal Curve is a mathematical model in behavioral Sciences: This curve is used
as a measurement scale. The measurement un it of this scale is ± 1σ (the unit standard
deviation).
Standard Deviations: The standard normal distribution is a normal probability
distribution that has a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. The Standard Deviation
is a measure of how spread-out numbers are. As per 3 sigma rule of normal distribution,
I. 68% of values are within 1 standard deviation of the mean.
II. 95% of values are within 2 standard deviations of the mean.
III. 99.7%of values are within 3 standard deviations of the mean
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
Mention the general pattern of Monte-Carlo Method and hence
determine the value of pi.
Monte-Carlo Method:
Monte Carlo Simulation, also known as the Monte Carlo Method or a multiple
probability simulation, is a mathematical technique, which is used to estimate the
possible outcomes of an uncertain event. The Monte Carlo Method was invented by John
von Neumann and Stanislaw Ulam during World War II to improve decision-making
under uncertain conditions. It was named after a well-known casino town, called
Monaco.
The statistical method of understanding complex physical or mathematical systems by
using randomly generated numbers as input into those systems to generate a range of
solutions.
How to use Monte Carlo methods
1. Define a domain of possible inputs
2. Generate inputs randomly from a probability distribution over the domain
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Applied Physics for CSE Stream (BPHYS102/202) Sai Vidya Institute Of Technology
CBCS-2022 Scheme
3. Perform a deterministic computation on the inputs
4. Aggregate the results
Estimation of Pi
• The idea is to simulate random (x, y) points in a 2-D plane with the domain as a
square of side 2r units centered on (0,0).
• Imagine a circle inside the same domain with the same radius r and inscribed
into the square.
• We then calculate the ratio of the number of points that lay inside the circle and
the total number of generated points.
Refer to the image below:
We know that the area of the circle πr 2 , while that of square 4r2 . The ratio of these
two areas is as follows:
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