Relation between heat capacity and internal energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving an expression for the heat capacity of a system at constant volume and its relationship with internal energy, particularly focusing on the behavior at high temperatures. The participants explore the mathematical differentiation involved in this derivation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the relation between internal energy and heat capacity is given by Cv=dE/dT and presents an expression for total internal energy.
  • Another participant challenges the differentiation approach, suggesting that the relationship should yield a positive inverse temperature result.
  • A different participant insists that the heat capacity should be proportional to the inverse square of temperature and describes their differentiation steps using the quotient rule.
  • There is a correction regarding the differentiation method, with a suggestion to apply the chain rule instead of the quotient rule.
  • A participant expresses self-doubt about their earlier calculations after receiving feedback.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains competing views on the correct differentiation approach and the expected relationship between heat capacity and temperature, indicating that no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the differentiation steps and the application of mathematical rules, which may affect the outcomes of their claims.

trelek2
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The task is to derive an expression for the heat capacity of a system at constant volume and show that at high temperatures it is inversely proportional to the square of temperature.

As far as I'm concerned the relation between internal energy and heat capacity is:
Cv=dE/dT
However with with i cannot get a reasonable answer.

The expression for the total internal energy of a system is given by:
[tex]E= \frac{N \Delta E}{exp( \Delta E/kT) +1 } }[/tex]

Where N is the total number of particles, T is the temperature, k is the Boltzmann constant.

When i differentiate it I get an expression which is negative and inversely proportional to the temperature, not to the square temperature...
 
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I do not think you are differentiating correctly. I took the partial in a big T limit and got a positive inverse T relationship. What are your steps?
 
But it is clearly supposed to be proportional to inverse square T...
I use the quotient rule E'=(u'v-uv')/v^2
and take u=NdeltaE, u'=0
v=exp(deltaE/kT)+1 v'=(deltaE/kT)exp(deltaE/kT).
This clearly gives a negative inverse T proportional.
Show me what I am supposed to do.
 
Sorry, typo. I meant to say positive inverse square T. Your v' is incorrect. Use the chain rule.
 
oh ****, you're right. How stupid I am.
 
No worries :approve:
 

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