Differential Integration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the function E(V,T) through differential integration, specifically using the chain rule and partial derivatives. The problem is situated within the context of thermodynamics or statistical mechanics, where E represents energy as a function of volume V and temperature T.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of partial derivatives to find E(V,T), questioning the validity of integrating them simultaneously. There is a discussion on the implications of the integration process and the conditions applied, particularly E(T=0) = 0.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering insights into the potential errors in the integration approach. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between the partial derivatives and the function E, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of integrating the partial derivatives and the conditions imposed by the problem statement. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for misunderstanding in the formulation of the differential equation.

CGandC
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Homework Statement
I want to find the function ## E(V,T) ##
Relevant Equations
It is known that

## \frac{\partial E}{\partial T} = \frac{B N^2}{ V} ##

## \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} = \frac{-B T N^2}{ V^2} ##

## E(T=0) = 0 ##

Where B, N are constants.
Attempt at solution:

Writing the chain rule for ## E(V,T) ##:

## dE = \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT + \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV ##

Then, integrating the differential:

## \int{ dE } = \int{ \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT } + \int{ \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV } ##

If I put the partial derivatives:
## \int{ dE } = \int{\frac{B N^2}{ V}dT } + \int{ \frac{-B T N^2}{ V^2}dV } ##
Then I get ( with using the condition ## E(T=0) = 0 ## ):
## E(T,V) = \frac{2BT N^2}{ V} ##

Why my method of finding E(T,V) by integrating over all partial derivatives at once is incorrect( as opposed to the solution below)?

________________________________________________________________________

The right solution is:

## E(T,V) = \frac{BT N^2}{ V} ##
Explanation for the right solution:

Integrating the following partial derivative:
## \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} = \frac{-B T N^2}{ V^2} ##

I get:

## E(T,V) = \frac{B T N^2}{ V} + C(T) ##

Using the condition ## E(T=0) = 0 ##, I get that:
## C(T) = 0 ##
Therefore:
## E(T,V) = \frac{B T N^2}{ V} ##
 
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CGandC said:
Problem Statement: I want to find the function ## E(V,T) ##
Relevant Equations: It is known that

## \frac{\partial E}{\partial T} = \frac{B N^2}{ V} ##

## \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} = \frac{-B T N^2}{ V^2} ##

## E(T=0) = 0 ##

Where B, N are constants.

Attempt at solution:

Writing the chain rule for ## E(V,T) ##:

## dE = \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT + \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV ##

Then, integrating the differential:

## \int{ dE } = \int{ \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT } + \int{ \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV } ##

If I put the partial derivatives:
## \int{ dE } = \int{\frac{B N^2}{ V}dT } + \int{ \frac{-B T N^2}{ V^2}dV } ##
Then I get ( with using the condition ## E(T=0) = 0 ## ):
## E(T,V) = \frac{2BT N^2}{ V} ##

Why my method of finding E(T,V) by integrating over all partial derivatives at once is incorrect( as opposed to the solution below)?

Because in general<br /> E = \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}\,dT + F(V) = \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}\,dV + G(T).<br /> What you are doing with your differential formulation is calculating <br /> \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}\,dT + \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}\,dV = 2E - F(V) - G(T). As in this case F = G = 0 this is giving you twice the correct answer.
 
pasmith said:
Because in general<br /> E = \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}\,dT + F(V) = \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}\,dV + G(T).<br /> What you are doing with your differential formulation is calculating <br /> \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}\,dT + \int \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}\,dV = 2E - F(V) - G(T). As in this case F = G = 0 this is giving you twice the correct answer.

So instead of writing:
## dE = \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT + \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV ##Why from the beginning we don't write:
## 2dE = \frac{\partial E}{\partial T}dT + \frac{\partial E}{\partial V}dV ##
in order to fix the mistake?
 
Because it's wrong. You're suggesting making another mistake to compensate for your other mistake. Generally, that's not a good idea.
 
vela said:
Because it's wrong. You're suggesting making another mistake to compensate for your other mistake. Generally, that's not a good idea.

Why is it wrong?
 

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