Solving Derivative Problem with Summation Function

  • Thread starter Thread starter Moneer81
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the differentiation of the summation function f(ε) = ∑_{n=0}^∞ e^{-nε/(kT)}. The user initially derived the derivative as df/dε = ∑_{n=0}^∞ (-n/(kT)) e^{-nε/(kT)}, but was surprised to find the book presented it as df/dε = ∑_{n=1}^∞ (n/(kT)) e^{-nε/(kT)}. The change in the lower limit from n=0 to n=1 is clarified by noting that the n=0 term contributes zero, while the disappearance of the negative sign is attributed to the properties of the summation and the nature of the exponential function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation of summation functions
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of series convergence and limits
  • Basic understanding of statistical mechanics concepts like kT
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of exponential functions in calculus
  • Learn about series convergence and how it affects summation limits
  • Explore differentiation techniques for infinite series
  • Review statistical mechanics, focusing on the significance of kT in thermodynamic equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are dealing with calculus, particularly in the context of statistical mechanics and infinite series.

Moneer81
Messages
158
Reaction score
2
Hello,
I was trying to take the derivative of the following summation function:
[tex]f(\varepsilon)=\sum_{n=0}^\infty e^ \frac {-n\varepsilon} {kT}[/tex]

so since the derivative of an exponential function that is raised to a power and that power is function will just be the function itself times the derivative of the power, I figured that the answer would be"

[tex]\frac {df}{d\varepsilon} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty (\frac{-n}{kT}) . e^ \frac {-n\varepsilon}{kT}[/tex]

and then of course we can take the constants outside the summation

but to my surprise, the book did it this way:

[tex]\frac {df}{d\varepsilon} = \sum_{n=1}^\infty (\frac{n}{kT}) . e^ \frac {-n\varepsilon}{kT}[/tex]

so my question is how did the lower limit change from n=0 to n=1 and where did the minus sign (-n/kT) go? do these two have something to do with each other?

thanks a lot
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, when n is 0 the term is 0 so that explains the limit change.
 
actually I knew about the lower limit of the summation I don't know why I still asked the question :)

do you know where the minus sign went though ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K