Multiplicity of a Einstein Solid, Low Temperature Limit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the multiplicity of an Einstein solid, specifically focusing on the low-temperature limit where the number of energy quanta (q) is much less than the number of oscillators (N). Participants are tasked with deriving the multiplicity formula and exploring the relationship between temperature and energy in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the multiplicity formula using Stirling's approximation and Taylor expansion. There are questions about the application of these mathematical tools and the validity of certain steps in the derivation process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Taylor expansion and the interpretation of logarithmic properties, but there is no explicit consensus on the final form of the multiplicity expression or the approach to finding the temperature formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that q is significantly less than N, which influences their mathematical approximations. There is also a focus on ensuring that the derivation aligns with previously discussed lecture materials.

TFM
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Homework Statement



(a)

The formula for the multiplicity of an Einstein solid in the “high-temperature” limit,
q >> N, was derived in one of the lectures. Use the same methods to show that the multiplicity of an Einstein solid in the “low-temperature” limit, q << N, is

Ω(N,q)=(eN/q)^q (When q≪N)


(b)

Find a formula for the temperature of an Einstein solid in the limit q << N. Solve for the energy as a function of temperature to obtain U=Nϵe^(-ϵ/(k_B T)), where ε is the size of an energy unit.


Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, I have started (a):

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = (\frac{(N - 1 + q)!}{(n - 1)!q!})[/tex]

N large:

(N - 1)! approx = N!

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = (\frac{(N + q)!}{N! q!})[/tex]

Take logs

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = ln(N + q)! - ln(N!) - ln(q!)[/tex]

Use Stirling aprrox:

[tex]ln N! \approx N ln(N) - N[/tex]

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)ln(N + q) - (N + q) - (Nln(N) - N) - (qln(q) - q)[/tex]

Cancels down to:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)ln(N + q) - Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]

Now I have to use the Taylor Expnasion for q << N, but I got slightly confused here.

Could anyone please offer some assistane what I need to do from here?

Many thanks in advance,

TFM
 
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TFM said:
Cancels down to:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)ln(N + q) - Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]
TFM

You need to write the (N+q) log like this (below) and then just copy the lecture derivation, I think. You can show how you use the taylor expansion, but I would have said it's not necessary

[tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N(1+q/N))[/tex]
 
Okay, so now:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)ln(N + q) - Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]

Use Taylor Expansion:

[tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N(1+q/N))[/tex]

[tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N) + ln(1+q/N))[/tex]

now the notes say:

[tex]ln(N+q) = ln(N) + q/N[/tex]

Althought I am not sure why the last ln has dissapeared?

Now plug into omega to give:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)(ln(N) + q/N)- Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]

Multiply out:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = NlnN + q + q^2/N + qlnN - Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]

Cancel down:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = q + q^2/N + qlnN - qln(q)[/tex]

Now the notes have that:

because q >>N,

N^2/q approx 0

So for

because q <<N,

This should still be

q^2/N approx 0

thus:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = q + qlnN - qln(q)[/tex]

take exponentials

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = e^q + (N/q)^q[/tex]

Thus

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = (eN/q)^q[/tex]

Does this look okay?
 
TFM said:
Okay, so now:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = (N + q)ln(N + q) - Nln(N) - qln(q)[/tex]

Use Taylor Expansion:

[tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N(1+q/N))[/tex]

[tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N) + ln(1+q/N))[/tex]

This is just rearranging (not using a Taylor series)

TFM said:
now the notes say:

[tex]ln(N+q) = ln(N) + q/N[/tex]

You should say, [tex]ln(N+q)=ln(N(1+q/N))=ln(N) + ln(1+q/N)[/tex]

You can then take the Taylor expansion of the last term in the above, namely
[tex]ln(1+q/N)[/tex], provided you assume q<<N so that q/N<<1. If you look up the Taylor expansion for ln(1+x) you will find that it says this is approximately equal to x in the limit x<<1.
TFM said:
[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = q + qlnN - qln(q)[/tex]

take exponentials

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = e^q + (N/q)^q[/tex]

Here there is an error. When you exponentiate an equation the entire right side is raised to the same exponential. Also [tex]e^x+e^y \neq e^{x+y}[/tex]
 
Okay so:

[tex]ln(\Omega (N,q)) = q + qlnN - qln(q)[/tex]

so I have to take exponentials,


[tex]\Omega (N,q) = e^q + e^qlnN - e^qln(q)[/tex]

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = e^q + Ne^q - qe^q[/tex]

So now do we use the log/exponential rules to give?

[tex]\Omega (N,q) = (eN/q)^q[/tex]

Also,

Find a formula for the temperature of an Einstein solid in the limit q << N. Solve for the energy as a function of temperature to obtain U=Nϵe^(-ϵ/(k_B T)), where ε is the size of an energy unit.

Where woul be aq good place to start for here?
 

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