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Physics 418: Statistical Mechanics I
Prof. S. Teitel stte@pas.rochester.edu ----- Spring 2005

Problem Set 1

Due Tuesday, February 8, in lecture

  • Problem 1 [40 points total]

    Consider the classical ideal gas. In lecture, we found that the total entropy could be written as:

    S(E,V,N) = (N/No)So + NkB ln [ (E/Eo)3/2(V/Vo)(N/No)-5/2 ]

    where E is the total internal energy, V is the total volume, and N is the number of particles. Eo, Vo, No, So, and kB are constants.

    (a) Starting from the above S(E,V,N), find the Helmholtz free energy A(T,V,N), the Gibbs free energy G(T,p,N), and the Grand Potential BigSigma(T,V,µ), by the method of Legendre transforms. [10 points]

    (b) Find the familiar equation of state, pV = NkBT, by taking an appropriate 1st derivative of an appropriate thermodynamic potential. [5 points]

    (c) Find the chemical potential µ, by taking an appropriate first derivative of a thermodynamic potential. Show explicitly that the chemical potential is the same as the Gibbs free energy per particle. [5 points]

    (d) Find the pressure p, by taking an appropriate first derivative of a thermodynamic potential. Show explicitly that the pressure is the same as the negative of the Grand Potential per volume. [5 points]

    (e) By computing the appropriate 2nd derivatives of the appropriate thermodynamic potentials, compute the specific heats CV and Cp, the compressibilities kappaT and kappaS, and the coefficient of thermal expansion alpha. Show that the two specific heats, and the two compressibilities, obey the general relations found in lecture. [10 points]

    (f) If one allows the gas to expand isothermally (i.e. at constant temperature), how does the volume vary with the pressure? If one allows the gas to expand adiabatically (i.e. at constant entropy), how does the volume now vary with the pressure? You must show how you derive your results. [5 points]

  • Problem 2 [10 points total]

    Consider taking the Legendre transform of the energy, E(S,V,N), with respect to S, V, and N, to get a new thermodynamic potential, X(T,p,µ).

    (a) Show that X(T,p,µ) is identically zero. [5 points]

    (b) What does this imply about the variables T, p, and µ? Where have you already seen this result before? [5 points]

  • Problem 3 [10 points total]

    Prove the following relationship concerning the specific heat at constant pressure, Cp and the coefficient of thermal expansion alpha:

    f1-3:


Last update: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 10:56:26 AM.