Integrating a differential (Problem in thermodynamic derivation)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical derivation of the thermodynamics of black-body radiation, specifically addressing the relationship between the internal energy density and volume during adiabatic expansion. The user initially struggles with the differential form of the internal energy, expressed as dU = -\frac{u}{3}dV, and the integral representation of volumetric density, u = \int_{0}^{\infty}u_fdf. The confusion is resolved by recognizing that the differential dU corresponds to the integral of the differential of the product Vu_f, leading to the conclusion that dU = Fdx, where F = Vu_f.

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Runei
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Hi,

I'm looking at a derivation of the thermodynamics of black-body radiation. My question is in regards to the math of the derivation.

Using the first law of thermodynamics and considering an adiabatic expansion of the cavity, it can be stated that

dU = -\frac{u}{3}dV

Here small u is the volumetric density of the internal energy U/V.

Small u can also be described as

u = \int_{0}^{\infty}u_fdf

Here uf is the distribution function for how the internal energy density is distributed amongst the various frequencies (wheew!).

The steps where I'm confused goes like this:

u = \frac{U}{V} = \int_{0}^{\infty}u_fdf \Longleftrightarrow
U = \int_{0}^{\infty}Vu_fdf \Longrightarrow
dU = \int_{0}^{\infty}d(Vu_f)df

My confusion comes from the last step. I can't see how the differential of U is the same as the integral of the differential of Vuf with respect to the frequency f.

Can anybody explain the math behind this? It's quite possible that it's just a small thing I just can't see :D But any help is most appreciated :)

Thank you.
 
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Well I figured it out now, and as I thought, it was quite simple.

Since

U = \int_{0}^{\infty}Vu_fdf = \int_{0}^{\infty}Fdx

F is now just equal to Vuf. I just made a change of variable names to make it more simple.

dU = Fdx

dF = fdx

\int_{0}^{\infty}dFdx = \int_{0}^{\infty}f dx dx = F dx = dU

This corresponds to the problem I was asking.
 

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