What Is the Correct Partition Function for a Spin System?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the correct partition function for a spin system in statistical mechanics. Participants are analyzing the mathematical formulation of the partition function and its components.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the formulation of the partition function, including the use of geometric series. There is a focus on identifying potential errors in the summation process and the implications of including terms multiple times.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified specific issues, such as the duplication of terms in the summation. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical expressions involved, with hints provided to clarify the relationships between the terms.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the correct formulation and the implications of the mathematical setup.

happyparticle
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Homework Statement
Consider a spin i, integer or half integer with the states n = -i, -(i-1),..(i-1), i
Z component of the spin is ##S_z = n\hbar## and the energy eigenvalues of this system in a magnetic field are given by: ##E_n = nh##
Find the partition function in term of 2 sinh ratio
Relevant Equations
##Z = \sum_{-i}^{i} = e^{-E_n \beta}##
##Z = \sum_{-i}^{i} = e^{-E_n \beta}##

##Z = \sum_{0}^j e^{nh\beta} + \sum_{0}^j e^{-nh\beta}##
Those sums are 2 finites geometric series
##Z = \frac{1- e^{h\beta(i+1)}}{1-e^{h\beta}} + \frac{1-e^{-h\beta(i+1)}}{1-e^{-h\beta}}##
I don't think this is ring since from that I can't get 2 sinh. However, I'm not sure where is my error.
 
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Note that you've included ##n=0## twice!
 
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Likes   Reactions: happyparticle and Orodruin
happyparticle said:
I don't think this is ring since from that I can't get 2 sinh. However, I'm not sure where is my error.
This might help: ##1-e^x = e^{x/2}(e^{-x/2}-e^{x/2})##.
 
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Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
Thank you! I didn't see that I had included n=0 twice.
I spent hours trying to figure out what was wrong.
 

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