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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the expression for the number of particles in an ideal gas with energy between E and E+dE. Participants suggest reviewing coursework on density of states and energy distributions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying physics rather than relying on online equations. There is a mention of starting from basic principles, such as the kinetic energy equation E=1/2 mv², and the need for familiarity with thermodynamics concepts. The conversation highlights the necessity of consulting lecture notes and textbooks for clarity on the topic. Overall, the emphasis is on grasping the theoretical foundations to solve the problem effectively.
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Hello

Homework Statement



Show that for an ideal gas:

n(E)dE=2πn/(kπT)3/2 *E1/2 exp(-E/kT) dE

where n(E) is the number of particles for each element of volume whose energy is between E and E+dE

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Really don't know where to start from :frown:
Thanks
 
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Start by reviewing your recent coursework concerning density of states and distributions.
Is the gas confined to some sort of container? What sort? Do you have notes about energy levels and so on?
That stuff.
 
I have to start from
E=1/2 mv²
dE=mv dv

I found an expression on the internet n(E)dE=N/z exp(-E/kt) * g(E)
But how can I prove that to use it ?
 
I'm sorry - what is the course you are doing and what level?
I'd have expected you to start from some potential - i.e. "particles in a box".
 
You should have a textbook and lecture notes then.
1st cycle = undergraduate: is this a first-year paper or course?

Basically I cannot help you without giving you a couple of lectures on thermodynamics.
These are things you should already have had - so you have lecture notes for those.
You need to review your notes and give it your best shot.
If there is something you don't understand in your notes, I could help with that.

I have a crash-course review:
http://home.comcast.net/~szemengtan/ see: Statistical Mechanics.
particularly ch1 and ch4.
... but it may be more advanced than you need.

What you should not be doing is looking for equations online.
They won't help you. You need to understand the physics behind the equations.

aside:
n(E)dE=2πn/(kπT)3/2 *E1/2 exp(-E/kT) dE
... reads like:
$$n(E)dE = \frac{2\pi n}{(k\pi T)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\frac{E}{e^{-E/kT}} $$
... seems funny: is this verbatim for how it was given to you?
... do you know what all the symbols mean?
... is the n(E) on the LHS the same as the n on the RHS?
 
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