Partition Theorem Homework: Solving for the Partition Function and Energy States

  • Thread starter Thread starter Calpalned
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Partition Theorem
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving for the partition function and energy states using the given equations. The participant is attempting to calculate the partition function but is encountering unexpected results, specifically obtaining terms like 2 + 8e^7.8 instead of a simpler answer. They are using the Boltzmann constant and converting energy units from electron volts to joules. There is also a question raised about the values of E_j and E_1, with E_1 being suggested as 13.6. Clarification on these energy values is sought to resolve the calculation issue.
Calpalned
Messages
297
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


Screenshot (64).png


Homework Equations


Partition function = ##\frac{z_{i+1}}{z_i} ##
##z = \Sigma_{j=1}^\infty g_j e^{\frac{-(E_j - E_i)}{KT}}##
##g_j = 2(j^2)##

The Attempt at a Solution


I should get 2, but I keep getting ##2 + 8e^7.8 + ... ##
I used ##K = 1.38 \times 10^-23## and I converted electron volts to J (1eV = ##1.602 \times10^-19##J)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Calpalned said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 90647

Homework Equations


Partition function = ##\frac{z_{i+1}}{z_i} ##
##z = \Sigma_{j=1}^\infty g_j e^{\frac{-(E_j - E_1)}{KT}}##
##g_j = 2(j^2)##

The Attempt at a Solution


I should get 2, but I keep getting ##2 + 8e^7.8 + ... ##
I used ##K = 1.38 \times 10^-23## and I converted electron volts to J (1eV = ##1.602 \times10^-19##J)
Actually what is ##E_j## and ##E_1##? Isn't E_1 = 13.6?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K