Finding the energy of a system using the partition function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy of a system using the partition function in statistical mechanics, specifically focusing on the relationship between the partition function and the internal energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find an equation that relates the internal energy (U) to the partition function (Z) after calculating Z for their system. Some participants inquire about the type of particles involved in the problem, while others mention that the context primarily involves ideal gases.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the necessary relationships and seeking additional resources. A link to Wikipedia is provided as a potential reference, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The problem does not specify the type of particles explicitly, leading to some ambiguity in the discussion. The focus remains on ideal gases based on prior context.

dacruick
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Homework Statement



In part a) to this question I calculated the partition function which is Z = 1 + 3/e + 5/e^2



Homework Equations



I can't find an equation relating U to Z.


The Attempt at a Solution



If someone has an explanation or a link to an equation that would be great. Thanks.
 
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What's your situation, what type of particles are you considering?
 
it does not specify but we deal mostly with ideal gases.
 
Wikipedia has a brief summary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_function_(statistical_mechanics )
 
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