How to find the partition function of the 1D Ising model?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The partition function of the 1D Ising model is derived using the expression Z = (2cosh(βJ))^N, where β is the inverse temperature and J is the interaction strength. The discussion highlights a discrepancy with the provided answer Z = (cosh(βJ))^N, prompting questions about the factor of 2. The conclusion indicates that the factor of 2 is indeed correct, and the confusion arises from the interpretation of the partition function in relation to the model's parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics and thermodynamic concepts
  • Familiarity with the Ising model and its applications
  • Knowledge of combinatorial mathematics, specifically binomial coefficients
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and exponential functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the partition function in the Ising model in more detail
  • Explore the implications of the factor of 2 in different dimensional Ising models
  • Learn about the role of temperature and interaction strength in statistical mechanics
  • Investigate the relationship between the partition function and thermodynamic properties
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, statisticians, and students studying statistical mechanics, particularly those focusing on the Ising model and its applications in thermodynamics and phase transitions.

Dom Tesilbirth
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
Consider a one-dimensional Ising model with ##N## spins at very low temperature. Let there be ##r## spin flips with each costing energy ##2J##. The total energy of the system is ##E=-NJ+2rJ## and the number of configurations is ##C(N, r)##, where ##r## varies from ##0## to ##N##. Find the partition function.
Relevant Equations
##E=-NJ+2rJ## and
##Z=\sum ^{N}_{r=0}C\left( N,r\right) e^{-\beta \left[ -NJ+2rJ\right] }##
Attempt at a solution:

\begin{aligned}Z=\sum ^{N}_{r=0}C\left( N,r\right) e^{-\beta \left[ -NJ+2rJ\right] }\\
\Rightarrow Z=e^{\beta NJ}\sum ^{N}_{r=0}C\left( N,r\right) e^{-2\beta rJ}\end{aligned}

Let ##e^{-2\beta J}=x##. Then ##e^{-2\beta rJ}=x^{r}##.

\begin{aligned}\therefore Z=e^{\beta NJ}\sum ^{N}_{r=0}C(N, r)x^{r}\\
\Rightarrow Z=e^{\beta NJ}\left( 1+x\right) ^{N}=\left( e^{\beta J}+e^{\beta J}e^{-2\beta J}\right) ^{N}\\
\Rightarrow Z=\left( e^{\beta J}+e^{-\beta J}\right) ^{N}\\
\Rightarrow Z=\left( 2\cosh\beta J\right) ^{N}\end{aligned}

However, the answer provided is ##Z=\left(\cosh \beta J\right) ^{N}##. How do we remove the factor ##2##? Was the given answer wrong, or is there something that I still need to do?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Dom Tesilbirth said:
How do we remove the factor ##2##? Was the given answer wrong, or is there something that I still need to do?
Factor 2 seems to be right.

ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ising_model
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dom Tesilbirth

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K