Understanding the Relationship between Heat Capacity and Internal Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between heat capacity and internal energy in the context of statistical mechanics. The original poster, Magnus, is attempting to derive an expression for heat capacity from a given internal energy formula, while encountering difficulties with differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Magnus expresses confusion about differentiating the internal energy expression to find heat capacity, noting that his results differ from expectations. He seeks hints on how to proceed. Other participants question the clarity of the problem and suggest that it may not be as straightforward as initially thought.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with Magnus seeking guidance on the differentiation process and the relationship between the partition function and internal energy. Some participants have acknowledged the complexity of the problem, indicating that further exploration is needed.

Contextual Notes

Magnus mentions the presence of a partition function in the exercise, which may be relevant to the internal energy calculation. There is an indication of potential confusion regarding the differentiation of series, which could affect the understanding of the problem.

mhellstrom
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Hi all,

I have to show that the heat capacity can be expressed as

Cv = Nk(1+1/45(Om/T)^2 + ...)

where the internal energy is given as

E = NkT*(1-(Om/(3T)-1/45(Om/T)^2)

Normally I would just differentiate but if I do this I get something completely different - how to proceed any hints appreciated thanks in advance

Best regards

Magnus
 
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Hi Magnus! :smile:
mhellstrom said:
I have to show that the heat capacity can be expressed as

Cv = Nk(1+1/45(Om/T)^2 + ...)

where the internal energy is given as

E = NkT*(1-(Om/(3T)-1/45(Om/T)^2)

Normally I would just differentiate*…

erm … NkT*(1 - Om/(3T) - 1/45(Om/T)^2) = Nk(T - Om/3 - 1/45(Om/T)) :redface:
 
yes of course... Thanks for the help. The partition function is also given in the exercise

[tex] q_{rot} = \frac{T}{\omega}*(1+\frac{1}{3}(\frac{\omega}{T}+\frac{1}{15}(\frac{\omega}{T})^2+...)[/tex]

I presume the internal energy is given as

E = -N(dLn Zrot / d beta)

I would really like to know how to get from the partition function to the internal energy.
The problem for me is how manage the differentiation of the serie. Any help or advise appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Best

Magnus
 
durrr … honestly no idea what that's all about …

i thought this was a straightforward calculus problem! :redface:

i think you'd better start a new thread, so as to get someone else to answer :smile:
 

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