I don't understand an approximation in an expression in stat. mech.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical approximation in statistical mechanics, specifically analyzing a partition function expressed as ##Z=\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1) \exp \left [ -l(l+1) \frac{\omicron}{T} \right ]## in the limit where temperature ##T## is much greater than ##\omicron##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation of a sum into an integral through a change of variables, questioning how to handle the terms involving ##l## in the exponential. There is discussion about the relationship between the differential ##dx## and the terms involving ##l##.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the mathematical steps involved in the approximation. Some have provided insights into the transformation process, while others are clarifying their understanding of the relationship between the variables involved. There is recognition of the importance of the differential in the change of variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the limit ##T>>\omicron## allows for the approximation to hold, and they are examining how this impacts the integral representation of the partition function.

fluidistic
Gold Member
Messages
3,934
Reaction score
286

Homework Statement


Hello guys, I fail to understand a mathematical approximation I see in a solved exercise.
The guy reached a partition function of ##Z=\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1) \exp \left [ -l(l+1) \frac{\omicron}{T} \right ]## and he wants to analyze the case ##T>> \omicron##.
He states that with the change of variables ##x=l(l+1)\frac{\omicron}{T}##, ##Z\approx \frac{T}{\omicron} \int _0^\infty e^{-x}dx##.
I really don't understand this last step.

Homework Equations


Sum becomes integral. The change of variables.

The Attempt at a Solution


Making the change of variables, I understand that the sum transforms into an integral and I also understand why the limits of the integral are 0 and infinity (because l goes from 0 to infinity and thus x too).
I am unable to perform the change of variables and get rid of l's outside the exponential.
I'd appreciate if someone shed some light. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think the l's get sucked into what becomes dx since the derivative of l(l+1) is 2l+1.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fluidistic
fluidistic said:
##Z=\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1) \exp \left [ -l(l+1) \frac{\omicron}{T} \right ]## and he wants to analyze the case ##T>> \omicron##.
He states that with the change of variables ##x=l(l+1)\frac{\omicron}{T}##, ##Z\approx \frac{T}{\omicron} \int _0^\infty e^{-x}dx##.
Notice that once you insert the substitution, ## Z=\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1) \exp \left [ -l(l+1) \frac{\omicron}{T} \right ]##, ## =\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1) \exp [-x] ##.
Then see that ## dx=(2l+1)\frac{\omicron}{T} ##.
So, ## 2l+1=dx\frac{T}{\omicron} ##.
Since ##T>>o ## the integral is a good approximation, since it is the limit as ## l(l+1)o/T \to 0 ##.
Putting this all together, ## Z = \int_{l=0}^\infty \frac{T}{\omicron} \exp [-x] dx ##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fluidistic
Thank you guys. I missed the dx part indeed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
2K