Stat mech and binomial distribution

In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of choosing particles of two different species, A and B, with probabilities p_A and p_B respectively, and the probability of N_A out of N particles being of type A. The solution involves using the binomial distribution, the Stirling approximation, and the central limit theorem for large N. The CLT can be applied directly by using the Linderberg version, but a simpler formulation may be needed since it is not stated formally in the book.
  • #1
erogard
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Homework Statement



Suppose that particles of two different species, A and B, can be chosen with
probability p_A and p_B, respectively.

What would be the probability p(N_A;N) that N_A out of N particles are of type A?

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured this would correspond to a binomial distrib:

[tex]p_N(N_A) = \frac{N!}{N_A ! (N-N_A)!} p_A^{N_A} p_B^{N-N_A}[/tex]

Now I'm asked to consider the case where N gets large. Then I need to find [tex]p(N_A;N)[/tex] using 1) Stirling appox. and 2) the central limit theorem.

Not sure how to approach 1) since there are no log in my expression. Actually I don't quite get how to do 2) either. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
1) You can introduce the logs! And then remove the logs by exponentiation after you've made the approximation.

2) You should just apply the central limit theorem directly. Do you recall what the CLT says exactly?
 
  • #3
Matterwave said:
1) You can introduce the logs! And then remove the logs by exponentiation after you've made the approximation.

2) You should just apply the central limit theorem directly. Do you recall what the CLT says exactly?

So I did 1) by taking the log and exponentiating to simplify.

Regarding 2), I'm looking at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_limit_theorem and I'm assuming the Linderberg version is the relevant one here. Not too sure how to apply it, however. Do you know of any simpler formulation of the theorem that would apply to my case? My book does not state it formally. Thanks!
 

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