Calculus review for statistical mechanics with Callen

[pt176900]

I am taking statistical mechanics this quarter, using the textbook Thermodynamics and an intro to thermostatics by Callen.

The math in the derivations is from calculus, which I had 4 years ago and didn't really put all that much effort into.

Consequently, I need a solid review of some basic mathematics (and by basic I mean calculus )

For instance, I have no clue how to take the derivative of a sum, containing terms such as (ln(1-e^-Bx))
F = Kb T sum(ln(1-e^-Bhw))
where B is the Boltzmann factor, h is h bar and w is omega (the frequency).
then I have no clue how to go from there to Cv = dU/dT
U = d/dB(BF)

a grim situation indeed

 

[marlon]

https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&action=view&journalid=13790&perpage=10&page=5

Scroll down until the "info on the web-entry"

marlon

 

[dextercioby]

I am taking statistical mechanics this quarter, using the textbook Thermodynamics and an intro to thermostatics by Callen.

The math in the derivations is from calculus, which I had 4 years ago and didn't really put all that much effort into.

Consequently, I need a solid review of some basic mathematics (and by basic I mean calculus )

For instance, I have no clue how to take the derivative of a sum, containing terms such as (ln(1-e^-Bx))
F = Kb T sum(ln(1-e^-Bhw))
where B is the Boltzmann factor, h is h bar and w is omega (the frequency).
then I have no clue how to go from there to Cv = dU/dT
U = d/dB(BF)

a grim situation indeed

That's weird...It means you're using another (certainly newer) version of Callen. The one i knew didn't have statistical mechanics.It is a very good book on thermodynamics (in its first edition it was the first to give a reasonable treatment of neogibbsian formulation of (equilibrium) thermodynamics) and i strongly recconmend you study it...
As for calculus,i'd still go for Hilbert & Courant and Arfken...

Daniel.