Average energy of a harmonic oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the average energy of a harmonic oscillator at temperature T, specifically using Planck's distribution function. Key resources recommended include "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition) by Shankar, which covers the harmonic oscillator and its properties, and "Modern Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition) by Sakurai, which also discusses the Planck distribution. Additionally, Griffiths' online lecture notes, "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition), provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. These materials collectively address the relationship between energy and the Planck distribution in detail.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Planck's distribution function
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of harmonic oscillators in physics
  • Basic mathematical skills for derivations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition) by Shankar for detailed derivations
  • Explore "Modern Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition) by Sakurai for advanced concepts
  • Review Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition) for lecture notes on harmonic oscillators
  • Investigate the implications of Planck's distribution in thermal physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the properties of harmonic oscillators.

Rajini
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Hello PF members,
Is there some good book, which contain the derivation of average energy of a harmonic oscillator at temperature T. I want to derive from Planck's distribution (PD) function (<n>=(exp(##\hbar\omega/kT##)-1)##^{-1}##)...to get the following relation:
energy E= (##\hbar\omega##/2)+(##\hbar\omega##/PD). I referred to some books/www..they mainly refer E= ##\hbar\omega##(n+(1/2))...stating n as 0,1,2,3,etc...
But i think this n is simply the PD..
Can some one help me..
thanks
 
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in advance.There is no single book that covers all of the topics you're asking about, but there are several good resources available. A great starting point would be the textbook by Shankar, "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition). This book contains a thorough discussion of the harmonic oscillator and its properties, including the average energy at a given temperature. Additionally, Shankar provides a derivation of the Planck distribution function and its application to the harmonic oscillator. Another useful resource is the textbook by Sakurai, "Modern Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition). This book also contains a detailed discussion of the harmonic oscillator and its properties, including the energy at a given temperature. In this book, the derivation of the Planck distribution is provided, as well as a discussion of the relation between the energy and the Planck distribution. Finally, you may want to check out the online lecture notes by Griffiths, "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" (2nd edition). These lecture notes provide a comprehensive overview of the harmonic oscillator, including a derivation of the Planck distribution and the corresponding relation between the energy and the Planck distribution. I hope this information is helpful!
 

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