Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2017

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around demonstrating a relationship for an ideal gas involving the number of particles with energy between E and E+dE, represented by the equation n(E)dE=2πn/(kπT)3/2 *E1/2 exp(-E/kT) dE. The context is rooted in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss starting points, including the density of states and energy expressions. There are questions about the confinement of the gas and the relevance of course materials. Some participants express uncertainty about how to prove certain expressions and seek clarification on the meaning of symbols in the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance to review coursework and lecture notes. There is an emphasis on understanding the physics behind the equations rather than seeking solutions online. Multiple interpretations and starting points are being explored, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for foundational knowledge in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, indicating that some may be at an undergraduate level. There is a suggestion to refer to specific textbooks and lecture notes for further understanding.

Dassinia
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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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