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Homework3 1

The document outlines a physics homework assignment focused on statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, covering topics such as partition functions, mean forces, pressure in isotropic systems, ideal gas properties, Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution, harmonic oscillators, and diatomic molecular energy levels. It includes specific problems requiring mathematical proofs and calculations related to these concepts. The assignment emphasizes understanding the relationships between energy, temperature, and statistical distributions in physical systems.

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5 views2 pages

Homework3 1

The document outlines a physics homework assignment focused on statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, covering topics such as partition functions, mean forces, pressure in isotropic systems, ideal gas properties, Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution, harmonic oscillators, and diatomic molecular energy levels. It includes specific problems requiring mathematical proofs and calculations related to these concepts. The assignment emphasizes understanding the relationships between energy, temperature, and statistical distributions in physical systems.

Uploaded by

SOUL SYMPHONY
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHYS302 Homework 3

1. Consider a system confined within a container in the shape of a rectangular


parallelepiped with edge lengths 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 , and 𝐿𝑧 . Prove the following very general
results:
(a) Prove that the mean force 𝐹 exerted by the system on its right boundary wall can
always be expressed in terms of the partition function 𝑍 of the system by the relation
1 𝜕 ln 𝑍
𝐹 = 𝛽 𝜕𝐿 , where 𝑍 = ∑𝑖 𝑒 −𝛽ℰ𝑖 is the partition function.
𝑥
(b) In the case of any isotropic system, the function Z does not depend on the individual
dimensions 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 , and 𝐿𝑧 , but is merely a function of the volume 𝑉 = 𝐿𝑥 𝐿𝑦 𝐿𝑧 of
the system. Prove that the (mean) pressure 𝑝 exerted by the system can be written
1 𝜕 ln 𝑍
as 𝑝 = 𝛽 𝜕𝑉 .
2. Consider an ideal gas of 𝑁 monatomic particles enclosed in a box of edge lengths 𝐿𝑥 ,
⃗⃗
𝐿𝑦 , and 𝐿𝑧 . If the particle is nonrelativistic, its energy 𝜀 is related to its momentum ℏ𝐊
2
⃗⃗ )
(ℏ𝐊 ℏ2
by 𝜀 = = 2𝑚 (𝐾𝑥 2 + 𝐾𝑦 2 + 𝐾𝑧 2 ), where the possible values of 𝐾𝑥 , 𝐾𝑦 , and 𝐾𝑧 are
2𝑚
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
given by 𝐾𝑥 = 𝑛𝑥 𝐿 , 𝐾𝑦 = 𝑛𝑦 𝐿 , 𝐾𝑧 = 𝑛𝑧 𝐿 .
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
(a) Find the number states 𝐺(𝜀)between the energy 0 and 𝜀 for such an ideal gas of 𝑁
particles and volume 𝑉 = 𝐿𝑥 𝐿𝑦 𝐿𝑧 .
𝑑𝐺
(b) Find the density of states 𝑔(𝜀) using 𝑔(𝜀)𝑑𝜀 = 𝑑𝜀 𝑑𝜀.
(c) Find the single particle partition function 𝑍𝑠𝑝 of the ideal gas.
(d) Find the pressure 𝑝 of the system using the result of the previous question 𝑝 =
𝑁
𝑍𝑠𝑝
1 𝜕 ln 𝑍
, where 𝑍 = is the system’s partition function.
𝛽 𝜕𝑉 𝑁!
3. Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution gives the number of particles between speeds 𝑣
𝑚𝑣 2
and 𝑣 + 𝑑𝑣 as 𝑛(𝑣)𝑑𝑣 = 𝐶 exp (− 2𝑘 𝑇) 𝑣 2 𝑑𝑣, where 𝐶 is a constant.
B
(a) Find the average velocity < 𝐯⃗ >.
(b) Find the average speed < 𝑣 >.
(c) Find the most probable speed.
(d) Find the root mean square of the speed 𝑣𝑟𝑚𝑠 = √< 𝑣 2 >.
∞ 1
The factorial function 𝑛! = ∫0 𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 −𝑥 𝑑𝑥; 𝑛! = 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)!; (− 2) ! = √𝜋.
1
4. The energy levels of an harmonic oscillator is given by 𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + 2) ℏ𝜔, where the
quantum number 𝑛 takes integer values 𝑛 = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …. Suppose it is in contact with
a heat reservoir of temperature 𝑇.
(a) Calculate the partition function.
(b) Calculate the energy 𝑈.
(c) What is 𝑈 in the low temperature limit 𝑘𝑇 ≪ ℏ𝜔.
(d) What is 𝑈 in the high temperature limit 𝑘𝑇 ≫ ℏ𝜔.
(e) Sketch 𝑈 versus temperature 𝑇.
ℏ2 𝑗(𝑗+1)
5. The rotational energy of a diatomic molecule is given by 𝐸rot = 2𝐼 , where the
quantum number 𝑗 takes integer values 𝑗 = 0, 1, 2, 3, … . For each 𝑗, there are 2𝑗 + 1
distinct quantum states. Suppose that the diatomic molecule is in a gas in equilibrium at
the absolute temperature T.
(a) Calculate the single particle partition function 𝑍𝑠𝑝 . Assume that 𝑇 is sufficiently
ℏ2
large so that 𝑘𝑇 ≫ 2𝐼 , a condition satisfied for most diatomic molecules at room
temperature.
(b) Calculate the (mean) rotational energy of the diatomic molecule in this temperature
range.
(c) Find the contribution of the rotational energy to the heat capacity in this high-
ℏ2
temperature limit of 𝑘𝑇 ≫ 2𝐼 .
(d) What is the rotational energy in the low temperature limit.

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