Statistical mechanics question

In summary, the conversation discusses the heat capacity of liquid Helium at temperatures below 0.6K. It is represented by the equation Cv=(9.819 x 10^-3 K^-3)NkT^3, where N is the number of molecules, k is Boltzmann's constant, and T is temperature in Kelvin. There is a prediction for the contribution of phonons to the heat capacity based on the data of the speed of sound in liquid He (238 m/s) and the density of liquid He (0.145 g cm^-3). However, there is some confusion regarding the specific heat having a T^3 dependence at low temperatures for a system of massless bosons.
  • #1
precondition
57
0
Below 0.6K the heat capacity of liquid He is well represented by the equation
Cv=(9.819 x 10^-3 K^-3)NkT^3
Given that transverse shear waves cannot propagate in a liquid, predict the phonon contribution to the heat capacity of He from the data
c=238 m/s (speed of sound in liquid He)
p=0.145 g cm^-3 (density of liquid He)

......difficult...T_T
 
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  • #2
x is supposed to be multiplication
N number of molecules
k Boltzmann's constant
T temperature in kelvin
Cv heat capacity
 
  • #3
I find this rather hard to follow since I'm not getting that the specific heat has a T^3 dependence at low temperatures for a system of massless bosons (read: the phonons). I'm getting that U ~ T^3 and, then C_v ~ T^2, so I'm a little confused. I also haven't slept much the past two weeks so I could be doing something silly here.
 

1. What is statistical mechanics?

Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to explain the behavior of large systems of particles, such as atoms and molecules. It combines principles of classical mechanics and statistical methods to predict the collective behavior of these particles.

2. What are the main principles of statistical mechanics?

The main principles of statistical mechanics include the laws of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy, and the Boltzmann distribution. These principles help us understand the behavior of particles in a system and how they distribute themselves among different energy levels.

3. How is statistical mechanics used in scientific research?

Statistical mechanics is used in a variety of scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science. It helps scientists understand and predict the behavior of complex systems, such as chemical reactions, protein folding, and phase transitions in materials.

4. What types of problems can be solved using statistical mechanics?

Statistical mechanics can be used to solve a wide range of problems, such as calculating the thermodynamic properties of a substance, predicting the behavior of gases and liquids, and understanding the behavior of materials at the atomic level. It can also be used to study phase transitions, chemical reactions, and other complex systems.

5. What are some key applications of statistical mechanics?

Statistical mechanics has many practical applications, including the development of new materials, the design of chemical processes, and the study of biological systems. It is also used in fields such as atmospheric science, geophysics, and astrophysics to understand the behavior of large systems on a global or cosmic scale.

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