Work check and advice on a statistical mechanics problem

In summary: Bosons:Z = e^(-bU) + e^(-2b(E+U)) + e^(-bE)P_1(1)=P_2(1) = e^(-bE)/Z, P_1(2)=e^(-bU)/Z, P_2(2)=e^(-2b(E+U))/ZFermions:State 1: Each well is occupied by 1 atom, so the probability will be 1.Distinct atoms:Z = e^(-bU) + e^(-2b(E+U)) + 2e^(-bE)
  • #1
Clara Chung
304
14
Homework Statement
I don't know if I am correct or not....
Relevant Equations
Probabilities
241555

b)
Consider P_j(n) as a macrostate of the system,
Bosons: P_1(1) = P_2(1) = 1/2*1/2=1/4 ,P_1(2)=P_2(2)=1/2*1/2=1/4

Fermions: P_1(1)=P_2(1)=1 (Pauli exclusion principle), P_1(2)=P_2(2)=0

Different species: P_1(1)=P_2(1) = 2*1/2*1/2=1/2 (because there are two microstates with corresponding to one atom in each well, atom A in well 1, atom B in well 2 and atom B in well A, atom A in well B).

c)
Bosons: Suppose well 2 has an energy of E. 3 microstates as above
Z = 1 + e^(-2bE) + e^(-bE),
P_1(1)=P_2(1) = e^(-bE)/Z, P_1(2)=1/Z, P_2(2)=e^(-2bE)/Z

Fermions: P_1(1)=P_2(1)=1 (Pauli exclusion principle), P_1(2)=P_2(2)=0

Distinct species: Z = 1 + e^(-2bE) + 2e^(-bE)
P_1(1)=P_2(1) = 2e^(-bE)/Z, P_1(2)=1/Z, P_2(2)=e^(-2bE)/Z

d)
Bosons:
Z = e^(-bU) + e^(-2b(E+U)) + e^(-bE)
P_1(1)=P_2(1) = e^(-bE)/Z, P_1(2)=e^(-bU)/Z, P_2(2)=e^(-2b(E+U))/Z

Fermions: P_1(1)=P_2(1)=1 (Pauli exclusion principle), P_1(2)=P_2(2)=0

Distinct species: Z = e^(-bU) + e^(-2b(E+U)) + 2e^(-bE)
P_1(1)=P_2(1) = 2e^(-bE)/Z, P_1(2)=e^(-bU)/Z, P_2(2)=e^(-2b(E+U))/Z

For U->infinity, Z->e^(-bE) for bosons, 2e^(-bE) for distinct atoms,
P_1(1)=P_2(1) -> 1 for bosons and distinct atoms and P_2(2)=P_1(2)->0 as U->infinity.

I am not sure that whether this method is correct for distinct atoms and is there any more general methods that work for more than 2 wells? For example, I don't know what to do if the question ask: What is the probability of p_j(n) if there are N atoms and J wells...
 
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  • #2
Looking at (b), your answers are not clear, and you have probabilities that do not sum to 1. State clearly what the different possible states are.
 
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  • #3
DrClaude said:
Looking at (b), your answers are not clear, and you have probabilities that do not sum to 1. State clearly what the different possible states are.
b)
Consider P_j(n) as a macrostate of the system,
Bosons:
State 1: Two atoms in well 1
State 2: Two atoms in well 2
State 3: Each well is occupied by 1 atom
Can I use the apriori principle that each microstate is equally possible? In this case all states will have a probability of 1/3.

P_1(1)=P_2(1)=1/3+1/3=2/3
P_1(2)=P_2(2)=1/3

Fermions:
State 1: Each well is occupied by 1 atom, so the probability will be 1.

Distinct atoms:
State 1: Two atoms in well 1 p=1/4
State 2: Two atoms in well 2 p=1/4
State 3: Atom A in well 1 Atom B in well 2 p=1/4
State 4: Atom A in well 2 Atom B in well 1 p=1/4

P_1(1) = P_2(1) =1/4+1/4=1/2
P_1(2)=P_2(2) =1/4

I will try part c and d again...
 
  • #4
c)
Z = 1 + e^(-2bE) + e^(-bE)
Bosons:
State 1: Two atoms in well 1 probability: 1/Z
State 2: Two atoms in well 2 p=e^(-2bE)/Z
State 3: Each well is occupied by 1 atom P=e^(-bE)/Z

P_1(1)=P_2(1)=e^(-bE)/Z
P_1(2)= 1/Z
P_2(2)= e^(-2bE)/Z

Fermions:
State 1: Each well is occupied by 1 atom, so the probability will be 1.

Distinct atoms:
Z = 1 + e^(-2bE) + 2e^(-bE)
State 1: Two atoms in well 1 p= 1/Z
State 2: Two atoms in well 2 p= e^(-2bE)/Z
State 3: Atom A in well 1 Atom B in well 2 p= e^(-bE)/Z
State 4: Atom A in well 2 Atom B in well 1 p= e^(-bE)/Z

P_1(1) =P_2(1) = 2e^(-bE)/Z
P_1(2) = 1/Z
P_2(2) = e^(-2bE)/ZI think my original part c and d are right.. so I will save the time for writing out part d...
 

1. What is statistical mechanics?

Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to explain the behavior of a large number of particles in a system. It is used to study the relationship between the microscopic properties of particles and the macroscopic properties of a system.

2. What is a work check in statistical mechanics?

A work check in statistical mechanics refers to the calculation of the work done by a system on its surroundings or vice versa. It is an important concept in understanding the thermodynamic properties of a system and is often used in the analysis of thermodynamic processes.

3. How can statistical mechanics be applied in real-world problems?

Statistical mechanics has a wide range of applications in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science. It can be used to study the behavior of gases, liquids, and solids, as well as the properties of complex systems such as proteins and polymers. It is also used in the development of new materials and technologies.

4. What is the difference between classical and quantum statistical mechanics?

Classical statistical mechanics is based on classical mechanics and is used to describe the behavior of macroscopic systems. Quantum statistical mechanics, on the other hand, takes into account the quantum nature of particles and is used to study the behavior of microscopic systems. It is a more accurate and comprehensive theory, but it is also more complex and difficult to apply.

5. How can I get advice on a statistical mechanics problem?

If you are struggling with a statistical mechanics problem, you can seek advice from your peers, professors, or online forums and communities. It is also helpful to consult textbooks and research papers for guidance. Additionally, seeking help from a tutor or attending study groups can also be beneficial.

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