Exploring the Grand Partition Function for an Einstein Solid

In summary, the grand partition function, ##Q##, is the sum of a constant, ##C##, and a function, ##Z_N##, which depends only on ##beta##. The equilibrium or non-equilibrium statistics of the system is determined by ##\Delta N##.
  • #1
Ted Ali
12
1
Homework Statement
Calculate the average number of oscillators of an Einstein solid, in the grand canonical ensemble, when q>>N. N is the number of oscillators and q the total number of energy quanta.
Relevant Equations
I am quoting from "Equilibrium and non-Equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics", by M. Bellac.
$$Q_{(\alpha, \beta)} = \sum_{N=0}^{\infty} e^{\alpha N} Z_{N}(\alpha, \beta) \hspace{1cm} (3.127)$$ $$\beta = \frac{1}{kT} \hspace{1cm} \alpha = \frac{\mu}{kT} \hspace{1cm} (3.128)$$ $$\bar{N} = \frac{\partial{\ln Q}}{\partial \alpha} \hspace{1cm} (3.129)$$
$$q >> N \rightarrow q \approx 10^z N, z \geq 2$$
In this case: $$\mu = -kT\ln(\frac{q}{N}) \hspace{1cm} (1)$$ Reference: Daniel V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics,
(Addison-Wesley, 2000) - Problems 3.35 - 3.36.
$$Z_{N} = \frac{N}{2 \sinh(\frac{hf}{2kT})} = N\cdot C \hspace{1cm} (2)$$
$$Q_{(\alpha, \beta)} = \sum_{N=0}^{\infty} e^{\alpha N} Z_{N}(\alpha, \beta) \hspace{1cm} (3.127)$$
Where ##Q## is the grand partition function, ##Z_N## is the canonical partition function and:
$$\beta = \frac{1}{kT} \hspace{1cm} \alpha = \frac{\mu}{kT} \hspace{1cm} (3.128)$$
In the case of an Einstein solid, ##N## is the number of oscillators and ##q## the total quanta of energy. We are interested in the case: $$q >> N \rightarrow q \approx 10^z N, z \geq 2$$ In this case: $$\mu = -kT\ln(\frac{q}{N}) \hspace{1cm} (1)$$ Reference: Daniel V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics,
(Addison-Wesley, 2000) - Problems 3.35 - 3.36.
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_solid, we get: $$Z_{N} = \frac{N}{2 \sinh(\frac{hf}{2kT})} = N\cdot C \hspace{1cm} (2)$$
Where $$C = \frac{1}{2\sinh(\frac{hf}{2kT})} \hspace{1cm} (3)$$
##C## depends only on ##\beta##. Substituting in ##(3.127)##, we get:
$$Q = C \cdot \sum_{N=0}^{\infty} e^{\alpha N} \cdot N = C \cdot \sum_{N=0}^{\infty} e^{\ln((\frac{N}{q})^N)} \cdot N = $$ $$ = C \cdot \sum_{N=0}^{\infty} N (\frac{N}{q})^N \hspace{1cm} (4)$$
Since ##q >> N##, (4) becomes:
$$Q \cong \left(C\cdot \frac{N}{q}\right) \Rightarrow$$ $$ \Rightarrow \ln{Q} \cong \ln{\frac{C}{ q}} + \ln{N} \hspace{1cm} (5)$$

Quoting ##(3.129)##: $$\bar{N} = \frac{\partial{\ln{Q}}}{\partial \alpha} = \frac{\partial{\ln{Q}}}{\partial N}\cdot \frac{1}{\frac{\partial \alpha}{\partial N}} = \frac{\frac{1}{N}}{\frac{1}{N}} \Rightarrow$$ $$\Rightarrow \bar{N} = 1 \hspace{1cm} (6)$$
I would like you to let me know of my errors in calculations, comments, etc. If I am correct in my calculations, is it equilibrium or non-equilibrium statistics? How about ##\Delta N##, when we start from ##N \approx 10^{10}##?
 
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  • #2
The main question is whether ##q## should be considered a constant, or else, dependent on every value ##N## takes, in the sum.
 
  • #3
Should ##N## have an upper bound other than infinity? Should we consider an interaction between systems (instead of the isolated Einstein solid), governed by the grand canonical ensemble? Is the derivation of the chemical potential ##(\mu)## in the microcanonical ensemble, not applicable in the case of the grand canonical ensemble?
 
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1. What is an Einstein Solid?

An Einstein Solid is a theoretical model used in statistical mechanics to study the behavior of a system of particles. It consists of a fixed number of identical particles that are confined to a finite number of energy levels.

2. What is the Grand Partition Function?

The Grand Partition Function is a mathematical function used to describe the statistical behavior of a system of particles at a given temperature and chemical potential. It takes into account both the energy and number of particles in the system.

3. How is the Grand Partition Function related to the Einstein Solid?

The Grand Partition Function for an Einstein Solid is a specific formula that describes the statistical behavior of an Einstein Solid. It takes into account the energy levels and number of particles in the solid, as well as the temperature and chemical potential of the system.

4. What information can be obtained from the Grand Partition Function for an Einstein Solid?

The Grand Partition Function allows us to calculate the thermodynamic properties of an Einstein Solid, such as the entropy, internal energy, and heat capacity. It also provides insight into the distribution of particles among energy levels in the solid.

5. Why is exploring the Grand Partition Function for an Einstein Solid important?

Studying the Grand Partition Function for an Einstein Solid allows us to better understand the statistical behavior of a system of particles and how it relates to thermodynamic properties. This knowledge can be applied to a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, and materials science.

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