Einstein Solid and Sterling's Approximation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the multiplicity of an Einstein solid with large N and q, specifically using Sterling's approximation. The multiplicity formula is established as \(\frac{\left(\frac{q+N}{q}\right)^q\left(\frac{q+N}{N}\right)^N}{\sqrt{2\pi q\left(q+N\right)/N}}\). Participants explore the application of Stirling's approximation, particularly the equation \(N! \approx N^N e^{-N} \sqrt{2 \pi N}\), to simplify the factorial terms in the multiplicity equation. The challenge lies in correctly deriving the denominator involving \(\sqrt{2\pi}\) and understanding the logarithmic transformations applied during the simplification process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics concepts, particularly Einstein solids.
  • Familiarity with Stirling's approximation and its application in combinatorial problems.
  • Knowledge of logarithmic properties and their use in simplifying expressions.
  • Basic proficiency in calculus, especially in handling limits and approximations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Stirling's approximation in detail.
  • Explore advanced topics in statistical mechanics, focusing on multiplicity and entropy calculations.
  • Practice problems involving the application of logarithmic identities in combinatorial contexts.
  • Investigate the implications of large N and q in statistical distributions and their physical interpretations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying statistical mechanics, combinatorial mathematics, and thermodynamics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Einstein solids and related approximations.

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Homework Statement


Show that the multiplicity of an Einstein solid with large N and q is

[tex]\frac{\left(\frac{q+N}{q}\right)^q\left(\frac{q+N}{N}\right)^N}{\sqrt{2\pi q\left(q+N\right)/N}}[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]N! \approx N^N e^{-N} \sqrt{2 \pi N}[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I've done thus so far:

[tex] \Omega(N,q) = \frac{(q+N-1)!}{q!(N-1)!} \approx \frac{(q+N)!}{q!N!}<br /> <br /> ln(\Omega) = ln(q+N)! - lnq! - lnN <br /> \par<br /> \approx (q+N)ln(q+N) - (q+N) - qlnq+q - NlnN + N = (q+N)ln(q+N) - qlnq - NlnN<br /> [/tex]

I feel like I'm close, but I've no idea where to go from here.
 
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How silly of me! I just expanded out some terms and now I have the numerator, but where on Earth does the denominator come from? Should I have another -ln() term somewhere, so I can use Sterling?
 
Ok, so after expanding:
ln(q+N)!-lnq!-lnN!
and canceling a coupel N's and q's I get:

(q+N)ln(q+N)-qlnq-NlnN

So I applied a few ln rules to get:

[tex]ln(q+N)^{q+N)}[/tex]-[tex]lnq^{q}[/tex]-[tex]Nln^{N}[/tex]

Then simplifying:

ln([tex](q+N)^{(q+N)}/q^{q}[/tex]-[tex]lnN^{N}[/tex]

But when I try to simplify again I come up with:

ln([tex](q+N)^{(q+N)}N^{N}/q^{q}[/tex] - [tex]lnN^{N}[/tex]

Which I don't believe is right, but even if it was, how do I go about recovering the 2pi n the denominator?
 

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