Entropy, energy levels and harmonic oscillation.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around modeling the vibrations of atoms in a solid using isotropic harmonic oscillators. The focus is on calculating the heat capacity of Boron at a specific temperature, given the entropy at another temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the heat capacity from the given entropy but is uncertain about how to obtain the necessary parameters. They express confusion regarding the relationship between entropy and energy levels.
  • Some participants suggest that determining the Einstein temperature could simplify the problem.
  • Another participant proposes an approximation for the partition function based on the small value of a specific variable at the given temperature.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches and clarifying concepts. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding potential simplifications and approximations.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the element in question, with the original poster mistakenly referring to Bohrium instead of Boron. This may affect the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement



A model to describe the vibrations of atoms in a solid is to assume that the atoms are isotropic harmonic oscillators and that the vibrations are independent of the vibrations of the other atoms. We use this model to describe the entropy and heat capacity of Bohrium (B). The entropy is given as 9.797 J/(mol K) at T = 400K

What is the heat capacity of B at T = 600K?

Homework Equations



Energy level of a harmonic oscillator: En = hw(1/2 + n) (1 dimension)
Z = the partition function = [tex]\sum[/tex]e^(-En/k*T) = 1/(2*sinh(hw/k*T))
F = -k*T*ln(Z)

The partition function above is valid for a single atom which is only moving in one dimension but to get the correct parition function for motion in 3D one simply does Zcorrect = Z³ which gives the free energy as

Fcorrect = -3*k*T*ln(Z)

S = -([tex]\partial[/tex]F/[tex]\partial[/tex]T)
Cv = T([tex]\partial[/tex]S/[tex]\partial[/tex]T)

The Attempt at a Solution



From the partition function i can derive the function for S in a straight forward way. I am given the entropy at T = 400 and what i need to know to derive the heat capacity Cv from S is the value for hw. But i can't figure out how to get homework from S given the entropy. I have tried solving the function by the Newton Rhapson method using MatLab but it doesn't want to work. So I am stuck and I am wondering if I am even on the right track. Is there a simple way to find the energy levels of a vibration as in this case when given the entropy?
 
Last edited:
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Ok i think i got a clue (while looking in a book of all places!). What i need is the Einstein temperature of Bohrium and all will be solved nicely. At least i think it will.
 
I think you can make an approximation sinh(x)=x since x=hw/kT is generally very small for T=400K.

This just reduces to the classical expression 3k.
 
Last edited:
I also noticed that it is Boron I am working with and not Bohrium as i wrote. I blame the fact that i had to translate the problem to swedish.
 

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