Talk:Random coil

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"Note that although this model is termed a "Gaussian chain", the distribution function is not a gaussian (normal) distribution. The end-to-end distance probability distribution function of a Gaussian chain is non-zero only for r > 0. [1]"

As article stands now, the above sentence obscures the reason why this model is termed a Gaussian chain. This model is called 'Gaussian' because the probability distribution function to any vector point does have a Gaussian form. i.e. $$ P(\vec{r}) \propto exp(-\vec{r} \cdot \vec{r}/2\sigma^2) $$

However, the end-to-end distance distribution will depend on the dimensionality of the polymer chain. I think this point needs to be added so as to clarify why this is called a Gaussian Model- rather than misleadingly pointing out how the name might not be apt. Any thoughtsWilgamesh 08:17, 12 December 2006 (UTC)


 * I find that sentence confusing and missing of a proper reference to state that. LudovicaAisa (talk) 21:17, 11 December 2023 (UTC)