'Unusual' mathematical step in integration

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a mathematical manipulation used in the derivation of the total average particle number in an ideal classical gas, specifically the substitution \( n \, dn = \frac{1}{2} d(n^2) \). This substitution is valid as it represents a change of variables in integration, allowing for the integration of \( n \) to be transformed into an integration over \( n^2 \). The manipulation is a standard technique in calculus, often referred to as a variable substitution or u-substitution, which simplifies the integration process.

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  • Understanding of basic calculus, particularly integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with variable substitution in integrals.
  • Knowledge of statistical physics concepts related to ideal gases.
  • Experience with mathematical notation and manipulation in physics.
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  • Explore integration techniques in statistical mechanics, focusing on ideal gas behavior.
  • Learn about the derivation of the partition function in statistical physics.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying statistical mechanics, as well as mathematicians interested in integration techniques and variable substitutions.

jdbbou
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I'm following a derivation in my lecture notes of total average particle number in an ideal classical gas (statistical physics approach). I follow it to the line (though the specific terms don't matter):
\left<N\right> = e^{\mu/\tau} \frac{\pi}{2} \int_0^\infty \left(n \,dn \,e^{- \frac{\hbar^2 \pi^2}{2m L^2 \tau} n^2} \right)
at which point, the substitution n \, dn = \frac{1}{2} d(n^2) is made. I've never seen a substitution like this before and don't understand how it is a valid mathematical step. It's as if the n alone has been integrated, without concern for any integration by parts, and the differential term has spontaneously changed to d(n^2)? I can't figure out how this could result from a u-substitution. I expect I'm missing something obvious.

Can anyone tell me the name of this manipulation, or give me some intuition as to why this step is valid?
 
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Its just a change of variables ## n -> y=f(n)=n^2/2## or ##n= \sqrt{2y}##. So ##dn=(d2\sqrt{y}/dy) dy= 1/n dy## or ##ndn=dy##.
 

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