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Phyisab****
Jan18-10, 06:58 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A system of particles is in equilibrium at temperature T. Each particle may have energy 0, epsilon, or 2 epsilon. Find the entropy of the system.


2. Relevant equations

F=-\tau log(Z)

\sigma=-(\frac{\partial\sigma}{\partial\tau})|_{V}

3. The attempt at a solution



Z = 1+exp(\frac{-\epsilon}{\tau})+exp(\frac{-2\epsilon}{\tau})


F=-\tau log(1+exp(\frac{-\epsilon}{\tau})+exp(\frac{-2\epsilon}{\tau}))

\sigma=-log(1+exp(\frac{-\epsilon}{\tau})+exp(\frac{-2\epsilon}{\tau}))-\tau\frac{[\epsilon\tau^{-2}exp(-\epsilon/\tau)+2\epsilon\tau^{-2}exp(-2\epsilon/\tau)]}{1+exp(\frac{-\epsilon}{\tau})+exp(\frac{-2\epsilon}{\tau})}

Hows that look? I'm really rusty with my thermal physics so even though this is not very complicated, I just have no confidence. One thing I was worried about was my partition function. When is the function I used applicable, and when do I need to use

Z_{N}=\frac{Z^{N}_{1}}{N!}?

As I type this I am becoming increasing doubtful that I used the right partition function. Thanks for reading!

Phyisab****
Jan19-10, 01:13 PM
Is my question ill posed? Please if you read this say anything, say whatever you think even if you don't know.

Phyisab****
Jan19-10, 02:11 PM
Now I am feeling rather sure that all I need to do is replace my Z with Z^N and I have my answer. Any thoughts?

Phyisab****
Jan20-10, 09:28 AM
Anyone? Anything?

I just noticed a mistake in my first post, the second equation should be sigma=(partial F)/(partial tau). But if you can help me you probably knew that already...

Count Iblis
Jan20-10, 09:53 AM
Using Z = Z_1^N/N! , you should get the correct expression.