Statistical mechanics average energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving expressions for the average energy per particle in the context of statistical mechanics, specifically as temperature approaches zero and infinity. The participants are examining the formula for average energy, which involves exponential terms and temperature dependence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive specific forms of the average energy expression as temperature approaches different limits. There is mention of using Taylor expansion for simplification, but some express difficulty with the second term in the derivation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and suggesting approaches. One participant has indicated success with a specific limit and has encouraged others to follow a similar path, while others are still grappling with the derivation process.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific limits of temperature (T approaching 0 and infinity) and the use of Taylor expansion, indicating that participants are working within the constraints of deriving results from given equations without additional external resources.

sarahger9
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Homework Statement



average energy per particle u = (Eo + E1 e^(-B deltaE)) / (1 + e^(-B deltaE))
B = 1/T


Homework Equations



Possibly relevant: e^x = 1 + x^2 / 2! + x^3 / 3! ...

The Attempt at a Solution



It tells me the average energy is about u = Eo + (deltaE)e^(-B delatE) as t approaches 0, and u = (1/2)(Eo + E1) - (1/4)B(delataE)^2 as T approaches infinity.

I can easily derive the first term in both of these equations, but the second is giving me some trouble. I tried to Taylor expand the exponential, but everything seems to cancel out and appear as before.
 
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sarahger9 said:

Homework Statement



average energy per particle u = (Eo + E1 e^(-B deltaE)) / (1 + e^(-B deltaE))
B = 1/T


Homework Equations



Possibly relevant: e^x = 1 + x^2 / 2! + x^3 / 3! ...

The Attempt at a Solution



It tells me the average energy is about u = Eo + (deltaE)e^(-B delatE) as t approaches 0, and u = (1/2)(Eo + E1) - (1/4)B(delataE)^2 as T approaches infinity.

I can easily derive the first term in both of these equations, but the second is giving me some trouble. I tried to Taylor expand the exponential, but everything seems to cancel out and appear as before.


What is the question?
 
Sorry, I am attempting to derive the solution that was given to me, the energy as T approaches 0 and infinity from the average energy per particle
 
sarahger9 said:
Sorry, I am attempting to derive the solution that was given to me, the energy as T approaches 0 and infinity from the average energy per particle

You might want to try the T-> infinity first. I got their answer. Just Taylor expand. And you will also need to use that

[tex]\frac{1}{1+x} \approx 1-x[/tex]

If you don't get it, post your steps
 

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