Average Internal Energy of 2 Paramagnets

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the average internal energy of two identical two-state paramagnets at thermal equilibrium, where each has an equal number of dipoles (Na = Nb). The relevant equation is U = -N (μB)² / kT. The user explores the implications of differing initial internal energies (Ua and Ub) and their relationship to temperature, ultimately seeking clarity on achieving thermal equilibrium and the resulting average internal energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of two-state paramagnets and their energy states
  • Familiarity with thermal equilibrium concepts
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics, particularly the role of entropy
  • Proficiency in using the equation U = -N (μB)² / kT
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of thermal equilibrium in statistical mechanics
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature and internal energy in paramagnetic systems
  • Explore the concept of entropy and its implications for energy distribution
  • Investigate the use of Schroeder's Thermal Physics for problem-solving in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as researchers working with paramagnetic materials.

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Homework Statement



The problem is that there are two , two-state paramagnets with Na = Nb (number of dipoles in each). uB = |kT|, energies of each dipole are + or - uB. Different internal energies to start, but they are brought together at thermal equilibrium and I need to find the average internal energy of each after that happens.

Homework Equations



[tex]U = -N \frac{(\mu B)^2}{kT}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Since N=N, my only thought is Ua + Ub divided by 2. If Ua = Ub, then that makes sense. If Ua > Ub, but both < 0, then Ua would give energy to Ub, since the temperature is higher, yes? If Ua < Ub but both Ub > 0, Ua <0, then it depends on the exact values, but they would both tend towards having infinite temperature, since they would both want to have higher entropy, right? It just seems like I'm missing something really big here.

My book is Schroeder's Thermal Physics, which doesn't have any answers in the back, so I can't even tell if I'm doing the problems correctly.

EDIT:

My other idea is that both temperatures have to be equal to have thermal equilibrium, so I should solve for temperature first. Then solve it so that Ta = Tb and see what happens then?

EDIT2: That doesn't seem to work, either, since I get Ua/Ub = Ta/Tb, but have no idea what to do with that...
 
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