Particle in 3D Box: Relation between Ω(E) and E

In summary, the conversation discusses developing a relation between the number of accessible states, Ω(E), and the energy, E, for a system consisting of a single particle in a box of volume L^3. The equation for this system is E = ((π^2ћ^2)/(2mL^2))(nx^2 + ny^2 + nz^2), which is the equation of a sphere. The next step would be to find the number of states with energy inferior to E (ψ(E)). If the radius of the sphere is much larger than 1, a volume integral can be used to approximate the sum over states, while also considering that n_i>0.
  • #1
charbon
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Homework Statement


For a system consiting of a single particle of mass m in a box of volume L^3 (Lx = Ly = Lz = L) develop a relation between the number of accessible states, Ω(E) and E


Homework Equations


E = ((π^2ћ^2)/(2mL^2))(nx^2 +ny2 +nz2)


The Attempt at a Solution



nx^2 + ny^2 + nz^2 = (2mEL^2)/(π^2ћ^2)

this is the equation of a sphere. The next step would be to find the number of states with energy inferior to E (ψ(E)) but I'm a bit clueless about how to do that with the equation. Could someone clarify that for me? Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
If you can assume that the radius of the sphere is much larger than 1, you can use a volume integral to approximate the sum over states. You must be careful that your counting respects that the [tex]n_i>0[/tex].
 

1. How does the energy level of a particle in a 3D box affect its number of microstates?

The number of microstates (Ω) of a particle in a 3D box is directly proportional to its energy level (E). As the energy level increases, the number of microstates also increases.

2. What is the mathematical relationship between Ω(E) and E for a particle in a 3D box?

The relationship between Ω(E) and E for a particle in a 3D box is given by the formula Ω(E) = (2m/h^2) * (2πL)^3 * E^(3/2), where m is the mass of the particle, h is the Planck's constant, and L is the length of the box.

3. How does the size of the 3D box affect the number of microstates of a particle?

The size of the 3D box (represented by L) is directly proportional to the number of microstates (Ω) of a particle. As the size of the box increases, the number of microstates also increases.

4. Can the energy of a particle in a 3D box take on any value?

No, the energy of a particle in a 3D box is quantized, meaning it can only take on certain discrete values. These values are determined by the size of the box and the properties of the particle.

5. How does the energy distribution of a particle in a 3D box change as the box size increases?

As the box size increases, the energy levels of the particle become more closely spaced. This means that the energy distribution will become more continuous, with a larger number of energy levels between any two given energy values.

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