Partition function from the density of states

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the canonical partition function, \( z_{can} \), from a given density of states, \( \Omega(E) \), which includes delta functions and a step function. The user is specifically working with the integral involving the incomplete gamma function, \( \Gamma(N+1, x) \), and seeks clarification on the steps to evaluate the integral. The transformation of variables and the application of the incomplete gamma function are critical to solving the problem, particularly after adjusting the integral's lower bound due to the step function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics concepts, particularly partition functions.
  • Familiarity with the density of states and its mathematical representation.
  • Knowledge of the incomplete gamma function, \( \Gamma(n,x) \), and its properties.
  • Proficiency in performing Laplace transforms and integral calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the incomplete gamma function, \( \Gamma(n,x) \).
  • Learn about the Laplace transform and its use in statistical mechanics.
  • Explore advanced techniques in integral calculus, focusing on integrals involving step functions.
  • Investigate the relationship between partition functions and thermodynamic quantities in statistical mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in statistical mechanics, physicists working with partition functions, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical techniques for evaluating integrals in physics.

snatchingthepi
Messages
145
Reaction score
37
Homework Statement
See post
Relevant Equations
See post
I'm given the following density of states

$$ \Omega(E) = \delta(E) + N\delta(E-\Delta) + \theta(E-\Delta)\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N $$

where $ \Delta $ is a positive constant. From here I have to "calculate the canonical partition function as a function of $$ x=\beta\Delta $$ using the incomplex gamma function

$$ \Gamma(n,x) = \int_x^\infty dt e^{-t} t^{n-1} $$

I know this can be solved for a partition function by taking a Laplace transform of the density of states. I can do the first two term very easily, but for the third term

$$ z_{can} = \int_0^\infty \theta(E-\Delta)\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N exp[-\beta E] dE $$

I'm not sure how to go forward from here. I've never seen an integral like this. I am thinking the step function changes the integral lower bound, but I'm kinda strung out so near the end of term, and am not seeing where to go now. Can anyone please help out?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please tell us exact step where you are stuck. The integral is doable using incomplete gamma functions
 
I am unsure *how* to do this integrla with the incomplete gamma function. My thought hit a dead-end at

$$ z_{can} = \int_0^\infty \theta(E-\Delta)\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N exp[-\beta E] dE $$

$$ z_{can} = \int_\Delta^\infty \left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N exp[-\beta E] dE $$

let $$ x=\beta \Delta $$

and for the incomplete gamma function let

$$ t = \frac{-xE}{\Delta}, dt = \frac{-x}{\Delta} dE $$

so

$$ z_{can} = \left(\frac{1}{N \Delta}\right)^N \int_x^\infty dt t^N exp[-t] $$

$$ z_{can} = \left(\frac{1}{N \Delta}\right)^N \Gamma(N+1, x) $$

I'm not convinced of my math in these last few steps.
 
Last edited:
snatchingthepi said:
Homework Statement:: See post
Relevant Equations:: See post

I'm given the following density of states

$$ \Omega(E) = \delta(E) + N\delta(E-\Delta) + \theta(E-\Delta)\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N $$

where $ \Delta $ is a positive constant. From here I have to "calculate the canonical partition function as a function of $$ x=\beta\Delta $$ using the incomplex gamma function

$$ \Gamma(n,x) = \int_x^\infty dt e^{-t} t^{n-1} $$

I know this can be solved for a partition function by taking a Laplace transform of the density of states. I can do the first two term very easily, but for the third term

$$ z_{can} = \int_0^\infty \theta(E-\Delta)\left(\frac{1}{\Delta}\right)\left(\frac{E}{N\Delta}\right)^N exp[-\beta E] dE $$

I'm not sure how to go forward from here. I've never seen an integral like this. I am thinking the step function changes the integral lower bound, but I'm kinda strung out so near the end of term, and am not seeing where to go now. Can anyone please help out?
You could also replace the factor ##E^N## by ##(-1)^N## times the N-th derivative of the exponential with respect to ##\beta##. The integral will be trivial and then you can apply the N-th derivative wrt ##\beta## on the result to get the final answer.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: snatchingthepi

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K