Help simplifying this using Stirlings' Formula?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter eprparadox
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula Simplifying
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying the multiplicity formula for an Einstein solid using Stirling's Approximation. The key formula presented is the multiplicity function, Ω(N, q), which can be approximated as Ω(N, q) ≈ (N / (q + N)) * ((q + N)! / (q! * N!)) when both q and N are large. Participants clarify the derivation of the factor N / (q + N) and confirm the application of Stirling's Approximation to simplify the factorial expressions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing common factors in the expressions to reach the desired simplification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Stirling's Approximation
  • Familiarity with factorial notation and properties
  • Basic knowledge of statistical mechanics concepts
  • Experience with combinatorial mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Stirling's Approximation in detail and its applications in statistical mechanics
  • Explore the derivation of the multiplicity function for different statistical ensembles
  • Learn about the implications of large N and q in thermodynamic systems
  • Investigate other approximations used in statistical physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermal physics, physicists working in statistical mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of thermodynamic systems will benefit from this discussion.

eprparadox
Messages
133
Reaction score
2
Hey guys!

So I'm self studying Daniel Schroeder's Intro to Thermal Physics and we're to use Stirlings Approximation to simplify the following (assume that BOTH q and N are large, but we don't have a relationship between q and N):

[tex] \Omega \left( N,q\right) \approx \dfrac {\left( \dfrac {q+N} {q}\right) ^{q}\left( \dfrac {q+N} {N}\right) ^{N}} {\sqrt {2\pi q\left( q+N\right) / N}}[/tex]

The formula to find the multiplicity of an Einstein solid is:

[tex] \Omega \left( N,q\right) =\dfrac {\left( N-1+q\right) !} {q!\left( N-1\right) !}[/tex]

The hint in the text says to show that first:

[tex] \Omega \left( N,q\right) =\dfrac {N} {q+N}\dfrac {\left( q+N\right) !} {q!N!}[/tex]

With q and N being large, I thought I could immediately say that

[tex] \Omega \left( N,q\right) \approx \dfrac {\left( q+N\right) !} {q!N!}[/tex]

But I don't know where you get the

[tex] \dfrac {N} {q+N}[/tex]

I tried immediately applying Stirlings Approximation but got nothing like the hint or the answer we're looking for.

I'm a little lost on where to begin here. Any thoughts?

Thanks so much.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
eprparadox said:
[tex] \Omega \left( N,q\right) =\dfrac {N} {q+N}\dfrac {\left( q+N\right) !} {q!N!}[/tex]

If you cancel the common factor of N in the numerator and N in the N! expression in the denominator, what do you get?
 
oh nice! got it.

Man, I'm dumb! Thanks so much.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: perplexabot

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K