Partition Function, Grand Potential

In summary, there is a discussion about a possible error in the final expression for grand potential, with one person suggesting that the factor of (2S+1) should be squared instead of just included twice. Another person agrees and explains that the factor should only be included once in either the integral or g(E). The conversation ends with the second person thanking the first for their input.
  • #1
unscientific
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It seems like they have missed out a factor of ##(2S+1)## in the final expression for grand potential? I'm thinking it should be ##(2S+1)^2## instead.

2i0enip.png
 
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  • #2
I don't know, didn't they write the (2S+1) factor twice? There are 2S+1 states for each value of k, so in Eq.(30.3) you can put this factor in front of the integral, or include it in g(E), but you should not do both!
 
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  • #3
Bill_K said:
I don't know, didn't they write the (2S+1) factor twice? There are 2S+1 states for each value of k, so in Eq.(30.3) you can put this factor in front of the integral, or include it in g(E), but you should not do both!

Good point. Thanks alot
 

1. What is the partition function in statistical mechanics?

The partition function is a mathematical concept used in statistical mechanics to calculate the probability of a system being in a particular energy state. It takes into account the energy levels and degeneracy of the system, as well as temperature and other thermodynamic variables.

2. How is the partition function related to the grand potential?

The grand potential is defined as the product of the partition function and the Boltzmann constant, divided by the temperature. It is a thermodynamic potential that takes into account the effects of both temperature and chemical potential on a system.

3. How is the partition function related to entropy?

The partition function can be used to calculate the entropy of a system by taking the natural logarithm of the partition function and multiplying it by the Boltzmann constant. This allows for the calculation of the entropy of a system without needing to know the microscopic details of its constituents.

4. What is the significance of the partition function in thermodynamics?

The partition function is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics as it allows for the calculation of various thermodynamic quantities such as energy, entropy, and free energy. It also allows for the prediction of the behavior of a system at different temperatures and chemical potentials.

5. How is the partition function used in statistical mechanics calculations?

In statistical mechanics, the partition function is used to calculate the average energy, entropy, and other thermodynamic properties of a system. It is also used in the derivation of various thermodynamic relationships, such as the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and the equipartition theorem.

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