Why are the equations for mean energy in the canonical ensemble equal?

In summary, the equations \bar{E} = -\frac{\partial \ln(Z)}{\partial \beta} and k T^2 \frac{\partial \ln(Z)}{\partial T} are equal because of the definition of the partition sum and the canonical statistical operator. This also leads to the conclusion that \beta = \frac{1}{kT} and \frac{\partial T}{\partial \beta} = -k T^2, resulting in the simplified equation \overline{E} = k T^2 \frac{\partial \ln(Z)}{\partial T}.
  • #1
Abigale
56
0
Hi,
I regard an equation for an canonical ensemble.
I do not understand why both equations should be equal.

[itex]\bar{E}= -\frac{ \partial \ln{(Z)}}{ \partial \beta} \overset{\text{?}} = k T ^{2 } \frac{\partial \ln{(Z)}}{\partial T}[/itex]

[itex]Z[/itex] is a canonical partition function.
[itex]\beta[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{kT}[/itex].
Thx
Abby
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Try the chain rule.
 
  • #3
Do you under stand the first equation? That simply comes from the definition of the partition sum
[tex]Z=\mathrm{Tr} \exp(-\beta \hat{H}),[/tex]
where [itex]\hat{H}[/itex] is the Hamiltnian of the system. The Canonical Statistical Operator is
[tex]\hat{R}=\frac{1}{Z} \exp(-\beta \hat{H}).[/tex]
The mean energy is
[tex]\overline{E}=\mathrm{Tr}(\hat{R} \hat{H})=-\frac{1}{Z} \frac{\partial Z}{\partial \beta}=-\frac{\partial \ln Z}{\partial \beta}.[/tex]
As it turns out by comparing with the first Law of thermodynamics, you have
[tex]\beta=\frac{1}{k T},[/tex]
where [itex]T[/itex] is the temperature (contrary what you've written in your posting!).

Then of course you have for any function of the temperature
[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial \beta}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial T} \frac{\partial T}{\partial \beta}.[/tex]
From the above formula you find [itex]T=1/(k \beta)[/itex] and thus
[tex]\frac{\partial T}{\partial \beta}=-\frac{1}{k \beta^2}=-k T^2.[/tex]
This gives
[tex]\overline{E}=k T^2\frac{\partial \ln Z}{\partial T}.[/tex]
 

1. What is canonical internal energy?

Canonical internal energy is the total energy contained within a system that is in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings. It is a measure of the average kinetic and potential energies of the particles within the system.

2. How is canonical internal energy different from other types of energy?

Canonical internal energy is specifically used to describe the energy of a system in thermal equilibrium, while other types of energy, such as kinetic and potential energy, can be used to describe systems in other states.

3. What factors affect the canonical internal energy of a system?

The canonical internal energy of a system is affected by the number of particles within the system, the temperature of the system, and the interactions between particles.

4. How is canonical internal energy related to thermodynamics?

Canonical internal energy is an important concept in thermodynamics, as it is used to calculate the work and heat exchanged between a system and its surroundings. It is also related to other thermodynamic quantities such as entropy and enthalpy.

5. Why is canonical internal energy important in scientific research?

Canonical internal energy is important in scientific research as it allows for the analysis and understanding of the behavior of systems in thermal equilibrium. It is a key concept in thermodynamics and is used in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.

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